Abstract: The invention provides a tire and a method for analyzing the temperature exposure to the tire. The tire and the method allow an investigator to determine the maximum temperature the tire experienced during its operation. This information offers a potential cause for the tire failure by allowing the investigator to determine a maximum temperature experienced by an area of the tire by reviewing a non-reversible, temperature-indicating label positioned at a location in the tire. The information may be used to identify a potential cause of a tire failure after the failure has occurred. The information may also be used to identify a damaged tire before the tire fails.

Abstract: A tinting composition for tinting a surface which includes a solvent and a pigment selected from the group consisting of titanium dioxide, mica, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a conjugated diene-based rubber composition reinforced with silica-based reinforcement together with a non-silane coupling agent as N-3-(1,2-dihydroxypropyl)-N-oleylammonium bromide and/or N-3-(1,2-dihydroxypropyl)-N-methyl-2-mercaptoimidazolium bromide for endeavoring to both couple synthetic aggregates of precipitated silica to elastomers and enhancing electrical conductivity of such rubber compositions which contain less than 25 parts by weight carbon black per 100 parts by weight elastomer. Said coupling agent materials may be provided for mixing with said diene-based rubber(s), for example, as individual materials, as at least one of said materials being supported on a carbon black carrier or as being pre-reacted, or otherwise pre-treated, with synthetic silica aggregates. The invention includes an article of manufacture, including a tire, having at least one component comprised of such rubber composition.

Abstract: The invention concerns a coagulating agent for liquid crystal solutions with a base of cellulose substances, characterised in that it contains at least one water soluble additive selected from the group consisting of ammonia, amines of salt of these compounds, the additive being such that the pH of the said coagulating agent is greater than 6. A preferable additive is a salt elected from the group consisting of ammnonium formates, acetates and phosphates, mixed salts of these compounds, or mixtures of these constituents, in particular diammonium orthophosphates (NH4)2HPO4. The invention also concerns a method for spinning a liquid crystal solution with a base of cellulose substances, using a coagulating agent as per the invention, in particular the method called the “dry-jet-wet-spinning” as well as spun articles, fibers or films, obtained by these methods.

Abstract: The invention concerns a coagulating agent for liquid crystal solutions with a base of cellulose substances, characterised in that it contains at least one water soluble additive selected from the group consisting of ammonia, amines of salt of these compounds, the additive being such that the pH of the said coagulating agent is greater than 6. A preferable additive is a salt elected from the group consisting of ammonium formates, acetates and phosphates, mixed salts of these compounds, or mixtures of these constituents, in particular diammonium orthophosphates (NH4)2 HPO4. The invention also concerns a method for spinning a liquid crystal solution with a base of cellulose substances, using a coagulating agent as per the invention, in particular the method called the “dry-jet-wet-spinning” as well as spun articles, fibers or films, obtained by these methods.

Abstract: A tire tread composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a vulcanizable elastomer suitable for use in a tire; from about 1 to about 100 parts by weight of a silica reinforcing filler, per 100 parts of the elatomer; and from about 0.1 to 15 parts by weight of an electrically conductive additive containing a poly(alkylene oxide)-containing polymer having a alkali metal salt dissolved therein, per 100 parts of the elastomer provides improved electrical conductivity properties. A pneumatic tire having improved electrostatic dissipation employing the tire tread composition described above and a related method for dissipating electrostatic charges from tires using the tread composition is also discussed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tire comprising a means for indicating the position of a tire among the set of tires of a vehicle. The means is a button, which is fitted in a recess made in the center of a pattern which illustrates the tire positions of the vehicle, so that the position of this particular tire among the set of tires of the vehicle can be indicated unambiguously by turning the button by means of the pattern on the button. The button has a groove and/or an embossment for turning the button by means of a screwdriver with a chisel head, a coin or a pair of pliers, for instance.

Abstract: A tire, intended to be mounted on a rim, the flanges of which have rounded rim hooks, has at least two beads and a carcass reinforcement formed of at least one ply of reinforcement elements. Each bead is devoid of a bead wire, and the carcass reinforcement has in each bead a meridian profile which is curved axially and radially from the outside to the inside to form an axially inner edge located at an angle open axially and radially towards the inside. The carcass reinforcement is reinforced in each bead at least radially to the outside and axially to the inside, firstly by at least one first continuous additional layer, formed of inextensible circumferential reinforcement elements, and secondly by at least one second continuous additional layer, formed of inextensible, radial reinforcement elements, the two additional layers having meridian profiles substantially parallel to the meridian profile o the carcass reinforcement in the bead.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus permits the insertion and removal of an electronic monitoring device from a tire, while securing the electronic monitoring device to the tire so that stress, strain, impact, cyclic fatigue and vibration are minimized. After a rubber patch is vulcanized, the patch is permanently assembled to the innerliner of a vulcanized tire by affixing it to the tire innerliner. An electronic monitoring device, after having been encapsulated in a suitable rigid potting material to form a rigid tag, is fitted with a power source to form a tag assembly in a shape which allows for insertion into a cavity in the patch. The tag is carefully inserted into the cavity housing. The tag assembly is locked into place within the cavity using a suitable removable locking device.

Abstract: A method and a device for molding a support around a prefabricated circumferential reinforcing belt. The prefabricated belt, intended to be integrated with a support on a given molding cycle, is inserted in the mold before the support molded during the preceding molding cycle has been removed. These two operations can be carried out with a single handling tool which is synchronized with the opening and closing operations of the mold to introduce the reinforcing belt and to remove the molded support.

Abstract: Various modified particles are described which can be used in polymerizations to attach one or more polymers onto modified particles. Also described are the resulting modified particles having attached monomer or polymer groups as well as methods of preparing such modified particles. The polymer groups on the modified particles can be terminated and these various modified particles with attached groups can be used in a variety of end uses.

Abstract: The invention concerns a coagulating agent for liquid crystal solutions with a base of cellulose substances, characterized in that it contains at least one water soluble additive selected from the group consisting of ammonia, amines of salt of these compounds, the additive being such that the pH of the said coagulating agent is greater than 6. A preferable additive is a salt selected from the group consisting of ammonium formates, acetates and phosphates, mixed salts of these compounds, or mixtures of these constituents, in particular diammonium orthophosphates (NH4) 2 HPO4. The invention also concerns a method for spinning a liquid crystal solution with a base of cellulose substances, using a coagulating agent as per the invention, in particular the method called “dry-jet-wet-spinning” as well as spun articles, fibers or films, obtained by these methods.

Abstract: A tire component comprising a plurality of elastomers, where at least one of said elastomers has a functional group defined by the formula where R1 is selected from the group consisting of a divalent alkylene group, an oxy-alkylene group, an amino alkylene group, and a substituted alkylene group, each group having from about 6 to about 20 carbon atoms, and R2 is covalently bonded to the elastomer and is selected from the group consisting of a linear-alkylene group, a branched-alkylene group, and a cyclo-alkylene group, each group having from about 2 to about 20 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The invention is a process of manufacture, namely an automobile tire that is made of a colored composition that is of a single, inherent non-black color. The rubber composition of the tire is thus enhanced by the use of a coloring agent such as a pigment or dye that will yield a desired color upon completion of the tire manufacturing process. Such dye or pigment may be enhanced by the use of reflective, luminescent or photochromic agents that will enhance certain effects and appearances of the tire including: ease of visibility, other safety concerns including wear and puncture identification, and aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: Novel diol blends are disclosed. The blends are comprised of an aromatic diol portion derived from dihydric phenol and an aliphatic diol portion in a ratio of aromatic to aliphatic of 5:95 to 95:5. The aromatic portion is the reaction product of a dihydric phenol and one or more alkylene carbonates using a stoichiometric excess of carbonate. Methods for preparing these diol blends are also disclosed, as are methods for using these compounds in the preparation of cast elastomers. Cast elastomers prepared from these blends are also disclosed; the elastomers have physical and mechanical properties that make them appropriate for use in many demanding applications.

Abstract: The invention provides a charge air cooler, especially for motor vehicles, having a finned-tube block. The finned-tube block includes flat tubes through which charge air can flow and at least one fin member attached to the flat tubes. At least one fin member includes rows of webs and web crosspieces, the rows offset relative to each other by a predetermined distance. At least one web and/or one web crosspiece possesses at least one vortex generator.

Abstract: The invention is a process of manufacture, namely an automobile tire that is made of a colored composition that is of a single, inherent non-black color. The rubber composition of the tire is thus enhanced by the use of a coloring agent such as a pigment or dye that will yield a desired color upon completion of the tire manufacturing process. Such dye or pigment may be enhanced by the use of reflective, luminescent or photochromic agents that will enhance certain effects and appearances of the tire including: ease of visibility, other safety concerns including wear and puncture identification, and aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: A block structure in a ground contact face of a tread portion of a pneumatic tire comprises blocks defined by circumferential grooves and lateral grooves and a sipe formed in each surface of the blocks in a block row at least located near to a center of the tread and opening at least one end thereof to the respective circumferential groove, in which the sipe is opened through a width-widened part to the circumferential groove and a depth of the width-widened part is made shallower than a depth of a deepest part of the sipe.

Abstract: A tire for heavy loads and having beads intended to be mounted on flat rim seats or rim seats which are inclined at 5°, having at least one inextensible radial carcass ply anchored in each bead to a bead wire to form an upturn, the end of which is located at a radial distance from the base of the bead.

Abstract: New or improved tires and retreads for tires which incorporate Trinidad Lake Asphalt (TLA), also known as Trinidad Natural Asphalt or Epure, as a raw material therein. TLA is advantageously used in addition to or as a substitute for other known component(s) or raw material(s) in tire/retread formulations. As with other components, the amount of TLA used can vary depending on the performance characteristics desired. TLA can be added at any stage of the tire manufacturing/retread process for the purpose of reducing or replacing known raw materials or as a separate raw material to provide new and improved formulations for tires/retreads.

Abstract: There is provided a rubber composition for tyre tread, which decreases rolling resistance without decreasing abrasion resistance. The rubber composition for tyre tread is obtained by mixing 100 parts by weight of a rubber component, 0.5 to 1 part by weight of N,N′-bis(2-methyl-2-nitropyl)-1,6-hexane-diamine 1 to 1.5 parts by weight of sulfur and 1 to 3 parts by weight of a vulcanization accelerator, and wherein an amount X of sulfur and an amount Y of a vulcanization accelerator satisfy the equation: 2X−1≦Y≦2X.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to poly(maleimide-co-alkenyl benzene) centipede polymer and a method for producing the polymer by reacting a poly(alkenyl benzene-co-maleic anhydride) in the presence of a primary amine in a substantially dry state. The invention is further directed to a process for blending the poly(maleimide-co-alkenyl benzene) centipede polymer with elastomeric polymers, in combination with, or in substitution of, conventional extender oils, to produce extended polymers having improved properties such as tensile strength, maximum elongation, tear strength, damping properties, and the like.

Abstract: A rubber mixture containing at least one rubber component, at least one filler, and conventional additives that it contain at least one first gel as a filler, which is essentially comprised of a rubber, has a particle size of 3×10−9 to 1×10−6 m, and has a swelling index in toluene of 1 to 15, and at least the surface of this gel has acid or base groups, where these groups have not been produced by means of reaction with dithiophosphoric acid, and comprises: a) at least one second gel as an additional filler, which is essentially comprised of a rubber, has a particle size of 3×10−9 to 1×10−6 m, and has a swelling index in toluene of 1 to 15, which is in a position to undergo a neutralization reaction with the acid or base groups of the first gel and/or b) contains at least one substance as an additional additive, which is capable of undergoing a neutralization reaction with the acid or base groups of at least one gel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rubber composition composed of high Tg diene-based elastomers and which contains a high Tg liquid polymer of high vinyl polybutadiene and to such a composition being sulfur cured. The invention also relates to a tire having a tread of such rubber composition.

Abstract: There is disclosed a rubber composition for a tire tread Which comprises 100 parts by weight of (A) a rubber component comprising a diene-based synthetic rubber or a mixture of a diene-based synthetic rubber and natural rubber and containing at least 20% by weight of a styrene-butadiene rubber; 5 to 50 parts by weight of (B) aluminum hydroxide powders; and at least 5 parts by weight of (C) silica powders, wherein the total amount of the components (B) and (C) is in the range of 40 to 80 parts by weight; and optionally chemical agents such as vulcanizing agents, vulcanization accelerators and antioxidants, and also is disclosed a pneumatic tire in which the above rubber composition is used as the tread rubber. The above rubber composition, when made into a tire tread, can maintain favorable low fuel consumption properties and low wear resistance, and besides can impart the tire with greatly improved gripping properties on wet road surfaces particularly at a low temperature.

Abstract: Sulfanylsilanes of the formula X1X2X3Si—A—S—SiR1R2R3 are prepared by reacting mercaptosilanes of the formula X1X2X3Si—Alkyl—SH with chlorosilanes Cl—SiR1R2R3. They are used as coupling agents in rubber mixtures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rubber compositions containing borate compounds of the formula wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkoxy radicals having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R3 is selected from the group consisting of alkylene groups having from 1 to 15 carbon atoms and arylene and alkyl substituted arylene groups having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms; X is selected from the group consisting of and Y is selected from the group consisting of Sx and Sex where x is an integer of from 1 to 8.

Abstract: Preparation of an elastomer which contains a dispersion of filler reinforcement by forming a filler reinforcement in-situ within the elastomer host, the resulting elastomer/filler composite and tire having component which contains such reinforced elastomer. The invention includes a rubber composition of at least two elastomers wherein one of said elastomers is a pre-formed composite of elastomer and in-situ formed filler reinforcement. A tire having a component of such rubber composition, particularly a tire tread, is specifically contemplated.

Abstract: Preparation of an elastomer which contains a dispersion of filler reinforcement by forming a filler reinforcement in situ within the elastomer host, the resulting elastomer/filler composite and tire having component which contains such reinforced elastomer. The invention includes a rubber composition of at least two elastomers wherein one of said elastomers is a pre-formed composite of elastomer and in situ formed filler reinforcement. A tire having a component of is such rubber composition, particularly a tire tread, is specifically contemplated.

Abstract: Preparation of an elastomer which contains a dispersion of filler reinforcement by forming a filler reinforcement in-situ within the elastomer host, the resulting elastomer/filler composite and tire having component which contains such reinforced elastomer. The invention includes a rubber composition of at least two elastomers wherein one of said elastomers is a pre-formed composite of elastomer and in-situ formed filler reinforcement. A tire having a component of such rubber composition, particularly a tire tread, is specifically contemplated.

Abstract: Novel solid supported anionic polymerization initiators that are multiply metalated with Group IA alkali metal atoms are provided and employed to produce extremely high molecular weight branched diene polymers. The initiators are prepared by metalating a particle comprising a thermoplastic polymer or a cured elastomer in the presence of a polar coordinator. The polymers obtained by anionic polymerization employing the initiators are multiply branched, with a polymer chain covalently attached to the particle at virtually every metalation site. The macro-branched polymers exhibit desirable properties, such as an extremely high molecular weight, a controlled molecular weight distribution, T.sub.g and vinyl content, and the ability to readily absorb hydrocarbon solvents and oils. The polymers are easily compounded to form vulcanizable elastomeric compounds and articles that have excellent resistance to wear and tear and exhibit reduced hysteresis properties.

Abstract: Oligomeric organosilicon compounds are disclosed of the formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 independently of one another denote H, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4) alkoxy, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4) haloalkoxy, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)haloalkyl, phenyl, aryl or aralkyl andZ denotes an alkylidene radical having 0-6 carbon atoms, x can be a statistical average of 1-6 andn=1-150 and . . . means that z can be bonded either to the one or the other C atom, and the particular free valency is occupied by a hydrogen.and their use in rubber mixtures and for the production of shaped articles, in particular pneumatic tires.

Abstract: Cellulose extrudates can be made from an optically anisotropic solution containing 94-100 wt % of: cellulose; phosphoric acid and/or its anhydrides; and water by extruding the solution, coagulating the formed extrudates, and then aftertreating those extrudates so that they have a degree of acidity which at least equals 7. Fibers obtained by such a processs possess particularly good thermal stability and are suitable for use as a reinforcing material.

Abstract: An effective production method for silane-treated clays having exceptional reinforcing effects with respect to rubber, and compositions using these silane-treated clays are offered. With the silane-treated clay production method, a functional silane is predispersed or emulsified in water by means of a surfactant in order to mix the functional silane with kaolin clay and thereby uniformly surface-treat the kaolin clay with the functional silane. The surfactant should preferably be a non-ionic surfactant with an HLB value in the range of 8-18. The silane-treated clay formed by surface-treating kaolin clay by means of these functional silanes characteristically contains low residual levels of the non-ionic surfactants. The functional silanes can be either vinyl or sulfur functional silanes. The silane treated clays are useful as fillers or extenders in rubber compositions, particularly those employing silicas and/or carbon blacks.

Abstract: A process for making clear elastomers is disclosed. First, a polyol having a narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn<1.5) reacts an aromatic diisocyanate at an NCO/OH ratio from about 1.3 to about 3.0 to give a non-viscous isocyanate-terminated prepolymer. A mixture that contains this prepolymer and an aliphatic diisocyanate is then reacted with an aromatic diamine to give a clear elastomer. The elastomers have excellent overall physical and mechanical properties, including resilience greater than 55%. The elastomers are valuable for in-line skates and other applications for which clarity is important.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polyether polyurethane having good rebound resilience and low hysteresis properties is prepared by the reaction of a diisocyanate with a hydroxyl terminated polyether having a weight average molecular weight of at least 1,400 and a glycol chain extender. The polyether contains alkylene oxide repeat units having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and the chain extender glycol has from 2 to 16 carbon atoms. The amount of the chain extender glycol is from about 0.25 to about 2 moles per mole of the polyether.

Abstract: Mixtures are disclosed of bis(silylorganyl)polysulfanes and silylorganylthiocyanates, which are produced by reacting polysulfanes with cyanides. The inorganic thiocyanate formed is subsequently allowed to react with a haloalkylalkoxysilane to form the silylorganylthiocyanate. These substances are used in plastic and rubber mixtures reinforced with silica and optionally carbon black.

Abstract: A functionalized polymer according to the invention includes a polymer molecule having the general formula AYLi where A is a cyclic amine-containing radical having the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a divalent alkylene, an oxy- or amino-alkylene, or substituted alkylene having from 6 to about 20 carbon atoms; R.sub.2 is a linear-, branched-, or cyclo-alkylene having from about 2 to about 20 carbon atoms; and Y is a divalent polymer radical and Li is a lithium atom bonded to a carbon atom of Y.

Abstract: A vehicle tire and wheel assembly for use in high brake heat generated service has an overall tire diameter (TD) of approximately 43 inches and an overall wheel diameter (WD) of approximately 24.5 inches to provide a ratio of approximately 1.76. The tire section height (H) is approximately 9.2 inches and the tire section width (W) is approximately 11.5 inches. The tire is of a radial construction containing steel reinforcing cords.

Abstract: A functionalized polymer according to the invention includes a polymer molecule having the general formula AYLi where A is a cyclic amine-containing radical having the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a divalent alkylene, an oxy- or amino-alkylene, or substituted alkylene having from 6 to about 20 carbon atoms; R.sub.2 is a linear-, branched-, or cyclo-alkylene having from about 2 to about 20 carbon atoms; and Y is a divalent polymer radical and Li is a lithium atom bonded to a carbon atom of Y.

Abstract: A functionalized polymer according to the invention includes a polymer molecule having the general formula AYLi where A is a cyclic amine-containing radical having the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a divalent alkylene, an oxy- or amino-alkylene, or substituted alkylene having from 6 to about 20 carbon atoms; R.sub.2 is a linear-, branched-, or cyclo-alkylene having from about 2 to about 20 carbon atoms; and Y is a divalent polymer radical and Li is a lithium atom bonded to a carbon atom of Y.

Abstract: A vehicle tire and wheel assembly for use in high brake heat generated service has an overall tire diameter (TD) of approximately 43 inches and an overall wheel diameter (WD) of approximately 24.5 inches to provide a ratio of approximately 1.76. The tire section height (H) is approximately 9.2 inches and the tire section width (W) is approximately 11.5 inches. The tire is of a radial construction containing steel reinforcing cords.

Abstract: Diene polymers having a high content of trans-1,4 addition and two distinct melting points in the ranges of 30.degree. C. to 60.degree. C. and 70.degree. C. to 130.degree. C. are useful as additives to tire rubbers to improve processability by reducing compound Mooney viscosity and reducing the shrinkage of various compound stocks.

Abstract: A tire sidewall composition having improved properties is provided. The composition comprises a halogen-containing copolymer of a C.sub.4 to C.sub.7 isomonoolefin and a para-alkylstyrene, and an unsaturated rubber, such as natural rubber. Tires comprising the sidewalls are also provided.

Abstract: Rubber vulcanizates having a reduced heat evolution when subjected to dynamic deformation, prepared from vulcanizable rubber mixtures containing at least one type of rubber, a reinforcing resin system based on curable phenolic resins and other customary constituents, the vulcanizable rubber mixtures having been prepared from at least two rubber mixtures of different compositions. A process for their preparation by preparing in each case at least two different rubber mixtures differing from one another in their content of rubber, filler, oil, reinforcing resin system and, if appropriate, thermoplastic copolymer, by mixing the constituents thereof, then mixing the resulting mixtures with one another and vulcanizing the resulting final mixture. The use of the vulcanizable rubber final mixtures is for the production of mechanical rubber goods and tires.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elastomeric composition comprising a blend of from about 25 to about 75 percent by weight of polychloroprene and from about 75 to about 25 percent by weight of epoxidized natural rubber having a level of epoxide modification in the range of from about 15 to 85 mole percent. These blends may be incorporated along with conventional sulfur-vulcanized elastomers to provide new and improved compounded rubbers particularly suited for use in tire tread applications.

Abstract: A reinforced rubber mixture composed of (A) at least one natural, styrene/butadiene, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, transpolyoctenylene, ethylene/propylene/diene terpolymer and butyl rubber, (B) at least one phenol novolak resin and/or reactive polyphenol, (C) curing agents and, if appropriate, (D) customary additives, wherein the rubber mixture contains, as an additional component (E), at least one polar, chlorine-free rubber in the form of nitrile rubber having a nitrile content of at least 32% or polyurethane rubber in a proportion by weight of 1 to 49% by weight, relative to the total amount of rubber. Process for the preparation thereof and the use of the reinforced rubber mixtures for the production of industrial rubber goods, in particular for the production of antivibration units, rubber sleeves, coatings, conveyor belts and tires.

Abstract: A process for producing a reinforced rubber composition comprising the steps of:dispersing fine fibers of thermoplastic polymer having ##STR1## groups in a continuous phase comprising vulcanizable synthetic rubber, other than butadiene rubber, containing a tackifier incorporated thereinto; andgrafting the vulcanizable synthetic rubber onto the thermoplastic polymer at the interface of the fine fibers through a novolak type phenol resin.This reinforced rubber composition is capable of providing a vulcanizate having an excellent strength and modulus.

Abstract: A tire is provided with an element which cleans it during driving and is formed as a rigid substantially closed member fitted in a groove of the tire and movable radially outwardly during rotation of the tire to dislodge soil, snow etc. It may be provided with transverse portions and ground-engaging projections.

Abstract: A vehicle tire and wheel assembly for use in high brake heat generated service has an overall tire diameter (TD) of approximately 43 inches and an overall wheel diameter (WD) of approximately 24.5 inches to provide a ratio of approximately 1.76. The tire section height (H) is approximately 9.2 inches and the tire section width (W) is approximately 11.5 inches. The tire is of a radial construction containing steel reinforcing cords.