Abstract: A transponder carrier for embedded incorporation into a rubber article includes a bonding layer; a base layer affixed to the bonding layer, the base layer having a support surface for supporting a transponder device; and a reinforcement cap affixed to the base layer supporting surface at least partially covering the transponder device. The cap may be composed of textile cord reinforced rubber, the cap textile cords arranged in a substantially square woven configuration. A ratio of the cap to transponder device areas is within a range of 2:1 to 8:1 and the transponder device may further be coated with an adhesive to bond the transponder device to the cap and to the base layer. An antenna in a dipole antenna configuration is coupled to the transponder device in one construction.

Abstract: An active and adaptive tire system is disclosed. The active and adaptive tire system comprises a tire and an active material configured to alter at least one characteristic of the tire in response to at least one condition. Also disclosed are an intelligent tire system and a method of monitoring a condition.

Abstract: A method of quantifying the utilization of a maximum grip potential of a tire running on the ground. At two distinct azimuth angles, at least two respective values are determined for a differential extension of the tread of the tire or for a shear of the tread that is homogeneous with said differential extension. The utilization is quantified with the help of a function of the two determined values.

Abstract: A run flat safety band 1 has a wireless sensor 11 incorporated therein, which can be remotely interrogated in order remotely to confirm that the safety band is fitted on a wheel 4. The sensor 11 includes a pressure and temperature sensor, enabling the pressure and temperature within the tire 2 mounted on the wheel 4 to be remotely checked, by means of which remote indication can be provided that the tire 2 has deflated and is running on the runflat band 1 and also that the tire 2 is overheating and likely to break up prematurely whilst running on the runflat band 1.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire according to the invention includes a cap rubber 12 as a non-conductive rubber layer and a conductive layer 13 that extends from the tread surface to the bottom surface of the cap rubber 12 through the cap rubber 12. The conductive layer 13 has a main portion 13a extending from the tread surface toward the inner periphery of the tire, and plural branch portions 13b branched from the main portion 13a and extending toward the outer periphery of the tire. At least, one of the branch portions 13b is exposed to the tread surface.

Abstract: A tire includes a cavity formed therein to receive a removable electronic monitoring module. A mouth of the cavity opens into the inside volume of the tire and is located along a section of a joint of a first layer formed by the assembly of rubber profiled elements adjacent to the inside volume of the tire. The joint can extend radially or circumferentially. The cavity can be formed by inserting an element into the tire body and then leaving the element in place or removing it prior to vulcanization.

Abstract: A patch and method for mounting an electronic monitoring device to the innerliner of a pneumatic tire is provided wherein the monitoring device is potted directly to an attachment patch. A frame is built on an attachment patch and the electronic monitoring device is disposed inside the frame. An encapsulation material is poured into the frame and cured to encapsulate the monitoring device directly against the patch. The patch may then be connected to the innerliner of a pneumatic tire.

Abstract: A vehicle tyre data monitoring system has a wheel mounted sensor means that is adapted to transmit one or more of pressure, temperature, angular velocity, and force vector data for a tyre as a digital serial datagram through a two-wire communication channel to a chassis mounted reader means. The communication channel is adapted to simultaneously supply power to the sensor means and receive the data for processing and subsequent display to a user of the system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pneumatic tire comprising an electronic sensing device at least partially encapsulated by an elastomeric composition, the elastomeric composition comprising: 100 parts by weight of at least one elastomer; and from 25 to 100 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of elastomer (phr) of a thermoplastic having a melting temperature ranging of less than 200° C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pneumatic tire comprising two spaced inextensible beads; a ground contacting tread portion; a pair of individual sidewalls extending radially inward from the axial outer edges of said tread portion to join the respective beads, the axial outer edges of the tread portion defining a tread width; a supporting carcass for the tread portion and sidewalls; an innerliner disposed radially inward of the carcass; and an electronic sensor mounted in a foamed sensor mount disposed radially inwardly of the innerliner and exposed to the inner cavity of the tire, the foamed sensor mount comprising a foamed rubber composition co-vulcanized and integral with the innerliner, the foamed rubber composition having a density ranging from 0.1 to 1 g/cm3.

Abstract: A tire is provided with a force measurement device embedded, for example, in an isolated element such as a tread block. The device may be a stud-type device. The device includes a rigid stem connected to a deformable substantially flat membrane, which includes a detector for detecting a deformation of the membrane. The stem further includes a portion designed to be in contact with an element on which a force can act. The stem also includes an anchor that collaborates with the element. The anchor functions to improve the transmission of a load to the deformable membrane.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing method of a pneumatic tire capable of appropriately maintaining electrical conductivity performance and satisfactorily exerting improvement effect obtained by using a tread rubber blended with silica at a high ratio, and to provide such a pneumatic tire.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire that can maintain processability and tire performance such as rolling resistance or a wet performance of a tire, overcome the problem of non-conductivity by a tread rubber of silica formulation or the like, and sustain conductive performance of a tire over a long period of time is provided.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire that can maintain processability and tire performance such as rolling resistance or a wet performance, overcome the problem of non-conductivity by a tread rubber of silica formulation or the like, and sustain conductive performance of a tire over a long period of time is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tire having a composite rubber tread band disposed circumferentially around a tire carcass. The tread band is comprised of a cap/base construction composed of an outer tread cap rubber layer which provides a primary portion of the running surface for the tire tread and a unitary tread base layer underlying said tread cap layer which extends radially outward to the tread running surface to provide a secondary portion of the running surface of the tread. The rubber composition of said tread base layer and the corresponding secondary lateral portion of the running surface of the tread has a greater resistance to wear than the rubber composition of said tread cap layer.

Abstract: A transmitter unit of an apparatus for monitoring the condition of a tire includes a casing having an opening defined in an end of the casing. A transmitter is received in the casing through the opening. The transmitter gathers and wirelessly transmits information regarding the condition of the tire. The casing is secured to the outer circumferential surface of a rim wheel of the tire by an adhesive tape or an adhesive agent. Accordingly, the transmitter unit is capable of being attached to the rim wheel in a suitable manner.

Abstract: A patch and method for mounting an electronic monitoring device to the innerliner of a pneumatic tire is provided wherein the monitoring device is potted directly to an attachment patch. A frame is built on an attachment patch and the electronic monitoring device is disposed inside the frame. An encapsulation material is poured into the frame and cured to encapsulate the monitoring device directly against the patch. The patch may then be connected to the innerliner of a pneumatic tire.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for detecting and monitoring tire deformation. In one embodiment, a tire deformation detection system comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, circuitry, and a central control unit. The first electrode is coupled to an interior surface of a tire. The second electrode is coupled to an interior surface of the tire and configured with the first electrode to form a first capacitor. The circuitry is configured to measure a first capacitance of the first capacitor. The central control unit is configured to detect a deformation of the tire based at least in part on the first capacitance.

Abstract: A solid tire for a wheel comprising electrically conducting means (15) made according to the method of any one of claims 1-16 comprising a cured first cylindrical layer (1) comprising a first outer circumferential surface (10) provided for contacting the ground, the first layer (1) having an electrical resistance being larger than 1010 ?cm, the tire (5) comprising an electrically conducting path (6) in electrical connection with the electrical conducting means (15) and extending through the first layer (1), the electrical conducting path (6) comprising a path-filling material (16) having a lower electrical resistance than the electrical resistance of the first layer (1), characterised in that the first layer (1) comprises less than 2 pphr carbon black, in that the first layer (1) comprises more than 30 pphr reinforcing filling material and in that the electrically conducting path (6) has a ground contacting surface (19) having an area of at least 150 mm2.

Abstract: A system including a first electrode embedded in tread of a tire. The first electrode is configured for electro-statically indicating movement of the tread.

Abstract: Electromagnetic field transmissions between a sensor unit mounted on the inside surface of a tire and a sensor control unit mounted on the vehicle body are attenuated by the wall surface of a tire disposed between the units, and sensitivity is reduced. A booster antenna (18) is embedded in the tire wall surface between the sensor unit (6) and the sensor control unit (10). The booster antenna (18) is a coil antenna, and is configured so that the resonance frequency, which corresponds to the impedance and capacitance component of the booster antenna coil, corresponds to the frequency f0 of the transmission electromagnetic field of the sensor control unit (10). The booster antenna (18) is disposed in a position in which a magnetic coupling is formed with the coil antenna of the sensor unit (6), and transmissions via the electromagnetic field between the sensor unit (6) and the sensor control unit (10) are carried out through the booster antenna (18).

Abstract: A composite conductor assembly is configured as a core composed of polymeric elastomeric material and a conductive layer in intimate surrounding contact with the core. The polymeric material provides elasticity to the core to enable the core to elongate when subjected to strain forces within a tire. The conductive layer is fabricated from a low impedance material and may be configured as a composite wherein an inner base metal is selected as a strength member and an outer metallic layer is applied to the base for electrical performance enhancement.

Abstract: A tread forming step of forming a non-conductive tread rubber includes a first step of forming the tread rubber in such a manner that a shoulder portion becomes smaller in diameter than a finish cross sectional shape, a second step of setting up a conductive layer extending along a tire circumferential direction while alternately passing through a first position which is exposed to a tread surface of the shoulder portion, and a second position which comes into contact with a sidewall rubber in an outer side in a tire width direction than the first position, and a third step forming a finish cross sectional shape of the tread rubber by adding a non-conductive rubber to the shoulder portion of the tread rubber.

Abstract: A rim (1) of a tire wheel (TW) comprises a drum (1a) and inboard and outboard tire bead sheets (1b, 1c) extending radially from both sides of the drum (1a). A bead portion (3a) of a pneumatic tire (3) is press bonded to the outboard tire bead sheet (1b). A pneumatic tire pressure sensor (2) is fixed to the rim (1). When the pneumatic tire (3) is mounted on the tire wheel (TW), or when the pneumatic tire (3) is removed from the tire wheel (TW), a protector (4) which is fixed to the rim (1) protects the pneumatic tire pressure sensor (2) such that the bead portion (3a) removed from the outboard tire bead sheet (1b) does not interfere with the pneumatic tire pressure sensor (2).

Abstract: A pneumatic tire capable of reducing rolling resistance and discharging static electricity generated during running, wherein each of a tread rubber, a breaker rubber, and a sidewall rubber formed on the tread part, the breaker part, and the sidewall part, respectively, has a volume specific resistivity of 1×108 ?·cm or more, the pneumatic tire further including a conduction rubber embedded in the tread part so as to be at least partially exposed to a surface of the tread part, bead part rubber disposed at a region contacting a rim flange of the bead part, and electroconductive rubber electrically connecting the conduction rubber to the beat part rubber, wherein each of the conduction rubber, the bead part rubber, and the electroconductive rubber has a volume specific resistivity of less than 108 ?·cm.

Abstract: Insert for supporting the tread of a tire and intended to be positioned around the bearing surface of a wheel and including a housing for an electronic module opening radially internally relative to the insert, characterized in that the insert comprises a support part intended to bear the load of the tire under runflat conditions, and an axially adjacent locking part intended to lock one of the beads of the tire onto its wheel seat and in that the housing is positioned in the bead locking part.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire wherein at least 75% by weight of tire-constituting components based on the tire overall weight are made of nonpetroleum-based materials and wherein, at least, base rubber 2G2 and cap rubber 2G1 of tread rubber 2G, sidewall rubbers 3G and a topping rubber of carcass 6 are formed of an insulating rubber material, wing rubbers 2G3 of tread rubber 2G are formed of an electrically conductive rubber material, and sidewall portions are provided with at least one electrically conducting path 20 formed from a ribbon-like conductive rubber strip 21 made of an electrically conductive rubber material and having a width Ws of 10 to 40 mm, in which the conductive rubber strip 21 extends linearly in a radially inward direction from an electrically conducting part 21A contacting the wing rubber 2G3 to reach clinch rubber 4G.

Abstract: A tire is disclosed that includes at least one annular bead wire forming a body of revolution about a reference axis. A carcass ply of generally toroidal shape about the same axis as the bead wire has a portion that is folded around the wire. A materials interface is defined at least in part by the junction between a rubber first mass and a second mass that includes an electronic member. By way of example, the electronic member is a passive radiofrequency identification transponder. The interface extends from a free edge of the folded portion of the carcass ply radially away from the reference axis to a circumferential junction line between the interface and the carcass ply.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a tread rubber comprising layers each formed by overlap winding a rubber tape. The rubber tape in each layer has a conductive part in the longitudinal direction of the tape and the remaining less-conductive part, wherein the conductive part is wound at least once around the tire. In the radially outermost layer, the conductive part is exposed in the tread surface by a total axial width WU of at least 1.0 mm. In the radially innermost layer, the conductive part appears in the radially inner surface so as to be electronically connected to a conductive underlying structure by a total axial width WL of at least 1.0 mm. Between the radially adjacent layers, the conductive part in the radially outer layer is connected to the conductive part in the radially inner layer by a total axial width WM of at least 1.0 mm. Preferably, the rubber tape is made of mainly a silica rich compound.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tire module for sensing tire condition variables with a spring element (2) clamped on one end and a converting unit (2, 3, 4, 6, 7), in which kinetic energy is converted into electric energy. The spring element (2) is a bar spring, torsion spring, or leaf spring, with a seismic mass (3) being arranged at the end of the spring element that is not clamped, and the spring element transmits acceleration jumps of the seismic mass (3) to the converting unit (2, 3, 4, 6, 7).

Abstract: A polyurethaneurea system that includes in some embodiments Parts A and B reaction components for a polyurethaneurea, wherein an exemplary embodiment provides a Part A that comprises between 55 and 75 wt. % of an oligomeric polyol, between 3 and 7 wt. % of an aromatic diamine chain extender, and between 0.1 and 1.5% of a reactivity catalyst; Part B includes between 1 and 15 wt. % of a short aromatic diisocyanate and between 5 and 35 wt. % of an aromatic diisocyanate prepolymer that is the reaction product of a short aromatic diisocyanate and a diol. The polyurethaneurea system may further comprise an elastomer-surface activator comprising a second short aromatic diisocyanate and a second aromatic diisocyanate prepolymer, wherein at least one of the second diisocyanates may be the same as at least one of the diisocyanates of Part B.

Abstract: A wireless communication device coupled to a wave antenna that provides greater increased durability and impedance matching. The wave antenna may be in the form of a polygonal, elliptical curve and/or coil shape. The wireless communication device is coupled to the wave antenna to provide wireless communication. The wireless communication device and wave antenna may be placed on objects, goods, or other articles of manufacture that are subject to forces such that the wave antenna may be stretched or compressed during the manufacture and/or use of such object, good or article of manufacture. The wave antenna, because of its curved structure, is capable of stretching and compressing more easily than other structures, reducing the wireless communication device's susceptibility to damage or breakage that might render the wireless communication device coupled to the wave antenna unable to properly communicate information wirelessly.

Abstract: A method for measuring inflation pressure of a vehicle tire involves measuring a compressive stress. The tire includes a rubber mass, referred to as an interior rubber, delimited by an internal surface in contact with air inside the tire and an external surface in contact with a carcass ply of the tire. The compressive stress in the interior rubber of the tire, between the internal and external surfaces of the interior rubber, is measured and the inflation pressure is deduced from this compressive stress.

Abstract: A device for counting the rotations of a tire on a vehicle using the deformations that the tire undergoes on each rotation of the wheel, comprising a casing, a sensor intended to generate an electrical signal on each rotation of the wheel, and connection means intended to mechanically connect the casing and the sensor to the surface of the tire. The sensor is in the form of a passive sensor in one piece with the casing, whereof the signals emitted are in proportion with the variations over time in a magnetic flux through the said passive sensor, and a magnetic field generator is arranged opposite the passive sensor. The connection means mechanically connect the casing to a first surface A and the magnetic field generator to a second surface B, the two surfaces A and B being substantially coplanar and offset from one another in a direction D by a given distance L. The electrical signal is produced by the relative displacements of the said passive sensor and the said magnetic field generator.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire (1) has a tire cavity surface (HS) to which an accommodation tool (11) for accommodating an electronic component is bonded. The accommodation tool (11) includes an accommodation space (10) for accommodating an electronic component (W) therein, and includes a bonding region (11Sb) which is bonded to the tire cavity surface (HS) and which is provided on one end of a back surface (11S) directed to the tire cavity surface (HS). Only the bonding region (11Sb) is bonded to the tire cavity surface (HS), thereby making it possible to separate a portion of a non-bonding region (11Sa) on the side of the other end of the back surface (11S) from the tire cavity surface (HS).

Abstract: A method of detecting a rapid leak of gas contained in an automobile tire based on periodic measurements of a pressure Pa and a temperature Ta of the gas. The method includes determining a reference pressure Pcref, calculating an alarm threshold pressure Sref from the reference pressure Pcref, calculating a temperature-compensated pressure Pc at each measurement acquisition period, and comparing the compensated pressure Pc with the alarm threshold pressure Sref, wherein the leak is detected if the compensated pressure Pc is less than the alarm threshold pressure Sref.

Abstract: A tire assembly with integrated power generation features includes one or more piezoelectric devices configured to generate electric charge therein upon being subjected to mechanical strains associated with flexure of tire or wheel components. The piezoelectric device may be incorporated in a variety of tire structures and in many different locations. In pneumatic tire structures, the piezoelectric device and related electronics may be embedded in crown or sidewall locations among such selected components as the exterior tread portion, first and second steel belts of a belt package, carcass, cap ply portion, inner liner, zone base, etc. The piezoelectric device with optional rubber casing may also be attached to such locations as the inner liner and tire exterior. Piezoelectric devices may also be integrated with a tire and safety support combination that is configured to operate in an extended mobility mode when the tire structure loses air pressure.

Abstract: A method is provided for protecting a virgin surface of a tire innerliner from contamination by a release agent during curing. A pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA)-coated thermoformable film is pressed onto an exposed virgin surface of a green tire innerliner to adhere the PSA to the virgin surface and thereby form a protected green innerliner. The PSA is based on a rubber that is compatible with the rubber of the tire innerliner. The protected green innerliner is then exposed to the release agent, and cured. By virtue of the PSA, the film stays reliably in position. The thermoformable film is then removed to reveal the cured virgin surface substantially free of the release agent.

Abstract: In an arrangement for measuring pressure, in particular in gas-filled tyres (1), comprising at least one surface wave sensor (2) with a piezoelectric carrier substrate (3), with at least one exciter electrode (4) and at least one receiver electrode (5) being arranged on at least one surface of the carrier substrate (3) and the surface wave sensor (2) being connected at least in certain areas to a surface (6) which deforms under the influence of the pressure to be measured, in particular stretches and/or curves, it is proposed, in order to form a simple, cost-effective, robust and lightweight tyre pressure measuring device, that the carrier substrate (3) comprises at least one nanoscale carbon, preferably carbon fullerene, carbon nanofibres or carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A method of quantifying the utilization of a maximum grip potential of a tire running on the ground. At two distinct azimuth angles, at least two respective values are determined for a differential extension of the tread of the tire or for a shear of the tread that is homogeneous with said differential extension. The utilization is quantified with the help of a function of the two determined values.

Abstract: A tire includes, among the conventional tread pattern elements, at least one measuring element having a central zone and an encircling zone. In normal operation, the central zone 10 of a measuring element slides over the ground while, conversely, the tread as a whole does not slide over the ground. Measurements are carried out of the maximum adherence potential with the ground, at any moment, due to the central zone of a measuring element. In an alternative embodiment, the measuring element may comprise a circumferentially extending rib(s) or tread block(s) whose ground contact surface(s) is spaced at a lesser radial distance from the wheel axle than the spacing of the ground contact surfaces of the conventional tread blocks.

Abstract: A tire alarm device gives a warning against the runflat operation limit of a pneumatic tire during runflat operation, the tire having a reinforcement layer disposed in each sidewall thereof for enabling the runflat operation. The device includes a tire temperature sensor used to warn of the runflat operation limit, and the tire temperature sensor is disposed on the inner surface of one of the sidewalls facing the reinforcement layer therein.

Abstract: It is an object to improve uneven wear resistance in a tread portion in a pneumatic tire having conductive rubber arranged in a part of the tread portion. Foamed rubber is provided in the tread portion 12 and a foamed rubber conductive layer 14 employing the foamed rubber is arranged in a part of the tread portion 12. Furthermore, uneven wear due to a difference of wear resistance between the foamed rubber conductive layer 14 and other tread rubber 22 can be suppressed by setting a foaming rate of the foamed rubber conductive layer 14 higher relative to other tread rubber portion 22.

Abstract: An elastic tire according to the invention comprises a tread (1) which comprises at least one unit (3) for measuring the grip of the tire on the ground, the measuring unit (3) being intended to come into contact with the ground on each revolution of the tire, and comprising, viewed at a radially outer face (5) of the tread (1), a central zone (10) and an encircling zone (20) surrounding the central zone (10), a sensor (40) sensitive to at least a tangential force exerted on the radially outer top (11) of the central zone (10) being provided opposite the top (11), the central zone (10) and the encircling zone (20) satisfying the two conditions: a) Rzzc<Rzze, and b) (i) Rxzc/Rzzc>Rxze/Rzze or (ii) Ryzc/Rzzc>Ryze/Rzze, where: x, y and z represent the circumferential, axial and radial directions for the tire, Rzzc and Rzze represent the rigidities of the central zone (10) and of the encircling zone (20) under a force oriented perpendicularly to the radially outer face (5), Rxzc and Rxze represent the

Abstract: An optical fiber device is affixed to a tire sidewall and powered by a light source affixed to the wheel or tire. Optical fiber cable(s) within the device in a preferred configuration emit a light in one or more colors in response to light signals from the light source. The optical fiber cable(s) may be energized by a controller having multiple color LEDs that are selectively activated by a biasing voltage to transmit colored light from the controller to the optical fiber cables.

Abstract: An electro-luminescent device is affixed to a tire sidewall and powered by a power source affixed to the wheel or tire. Wire(s) within the device in a preferred configuration emit a light in one or more colors in response to energization by the power source. The electro-luminescent display may be energized by appropriate circuit drivers to flash and may be activated to flash with other triggers such as car alarm systems, audio output, car locators, etc.

Abstract: A tire monitor for mounting to a vehicle as part of a remote tire monitoring system includes a tire condition sensor to produce a tire condition signal, a controller coupled to the tire condition sensor to control operation of the tire monitor, and a radio circuit coupled to the controller to transmit radio signals based at least in part on the tire condition signal. A shock sensor is coupled to the controller of the tire monitor to produce a motion signal indicating motion of the tire monitor.

Abstract: A method for adapting tires (14) of an, in particular, motor-driven means of locomotion to given travel situations, in particular of a passenger car, of a lorry or the like. The shape of at least one tire (14), preferably of a plurality of tires (14) or of all the tires (14), is changed selectively, and preferably automatically, during the journey as a function of the travel situation.

Abstract: A method for attaching an object against a tire inner liner by means of an adhesive, including: applying uncured adhesive between the tire inner liner and the object; selecting at least one adhesion enhancing agent from the group: air pressure, steam, moisture, heat, radiation; adding the adhesion enhancing agent to the interior of the tire while the adhesive is in an at least partially uncured state; and curing the adhesive. Air pressurization of the tire cavity may be employed as an adhesion enhancing agent to press the object against the inner liner as the adhesive cures. The air pressure operational parameters may be predetermined and selected to complement adhesive cure properties and the air pressure of the tire cavity may be varied during at least part of the adhesive cure cycle. The adhesive may be a layer of rubber patch material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tire having an electrically non-conductive tread which contains an electrically conductive rubber strip which extends through at least a portion of the tread to its running surface in a wave configured shape, and therefore not a continuous straight line within said tread, in which at least a portion of the rubber strip is in a shape of, for example, a substantially sinusoidal, cycloidal and/or zigzag form, to thereby provide a mechanical self-locking configuration between tread segments through which the rubber strip extends and divides. In particular, said tread is composed of a cap/base configuration. The outer cap layer is of a relatively electrically non-conductive rubber composition having a running surface intended to be ground-contacting. The tread base layer, underlying the tread cap layer, is of a relatively electrically conductive rubber composition and is not normally intended to be ground-contacting.