Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for utilizing support tools for forming laminates. One embodiment is a system that includes a pair of dies that hold a multi-layer laminate over a gap, a male die that presses the laminate into the gap causing the laminate to change shape, and a support tool inserted into the gap beneath the laminate. The support tool includes a base that extends in a lengthwise direction, struts fixedly attached to the base that project upward from the base and are distributed along the lengthwise direction, and a cap that is slidably attached to the struts, and that covers the struts to form an upper surface of the support tool. Each of the struts rises from the base to the cap.

Abstract: A composite prepreg laminate such as a hat type-stringer is formed on a contoured mandrel using a combination of mechanical sweeping and vacuum forming.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a pressure management system for an earpiece comprising: a first valve, where the first valve allows air to pass from a first side of the valve to a second side more readily than from the second side to the first side an inflation channel, where the inflation channel has an outer diameter less than 5 mm; a pressure release mechanism; a pump; a stent, where the inflation channel is embedded; and a balloon, where the first valve, the inflation channel, the pressure release mechanism, the pump, and the balloon are operatively connected, where the first valve is positioned so that air from the pump passes through the first valve to inflate the balloon and where the leak rate of the air from the balloon back to the pump is less than 1% by volume per minute and where the pressure release mechanism is configured to release pressure from the balloon to the environment upon actuation, and where the pressure management system is configured to manage the inflation pressur

Abstract: The invention relates to a tyre (1) for mounting on a running wheel, a rim or a guide which is circular, oval, ellipsoid or rounded in some other way and is not continuous but rather has at least two ends. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a corresponding tyre (1).

Abstract: An adjustable inner tube for a pneumatic tire includes a valve and a continuous tube. The continuous tube includes a first segment and a second segment, wherein the first segment covers a portion of the second segment and the second segment may slide relative to the first segment to alter the circumference of the tube.

Abstract: Inflatable article equipped with an elastomer layer impermeable to inflation gases, said elastomer layer comprising at least, as the predominant elastomer, a thermoplastic SIBS elastomer comprising a polyisobutylene block comprising an amount of units derived from one or more conjugated dienes ranging from 0.5% to 6% by weight relative to the weight of the polyisobutylene block, and, at least one of the ends of the polyisobutylene block, a stirenic block representing at most 16% by weight of the total weight of the block copolymer. Preferably the airtight elastomer layer also comprises, as a plasticizing agent, an extender oil for the SIBS elastomer. The inflatable article of the invention is, in particular, an inner tube or a pneumatic tire for a motor vehicle.

Abstract: Inner tube for a pneumatic tyre, notably for a bicycle, characterized in that it has an elastomeric gastight layer consisting of an elastomeric composition comprising at least one styrene/isobutylene/styrene thermoplastic elastomer (called “SIBS”) and in that it includes a self-sealing material disposed inside the cavity formed by the airtight elastomeric layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tire having a tread which contains coal dust to promote a fast wearing tread running surface designed to expel internally heated tread rubber.

Abstract: Device and method for building a radial tire. The device includes a first drum device for building a belt package and a transfer device for transferring the belt package from the first drum device to a second drum device having arranged thereon a carcass tube from at least one airtight inner layer, a carcass play and two bead cores with core profiles. The second drum device is arranged between core clamping devices and is structured and arranged to join the carcass tube and the belt package during expansion of the second drum device. The belt package is contoured or shaped by deformation via the second drum device. This abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: Apparatus for highly reliably cutting a rubber strip (12) even when reinforcement cords are embedded therein, and for shaping the upper surfaces of the trailing end of a resultant rubber band member (15) and the leading end of the remaining rubber strip (12) to have a slope inclined with a small angle relative to the general plane of the rubber strip (12) or rubber band member (15). An anvil (20) and a press cutter/shaper (39) are arranged opposite to each other, and a cutting blade (38) is gradually inserted into an anvil groove (22), with at least one surface (38a, 38) of the blade (38) pressed against a periphery (22a) of the anvil groove (22). The cutting blade (38) protrudes from the boundary between inclined a pair of shaping surfaces (34, 35) towards the anvil 20, and has a cutting blade angle (F) that is smaller than angle (G) between the inclined shaping surfaces (34, 35).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for highly reliably cutting a rubber strip (12) even when reinforcement cords are embedded therein, and for shaping the upper surfaces of the trailing end of a resultant rubber band member (15) and the leading end of the remaining rubber strip (12) to have a slope inclined with a small angle relative to the general plane of the rubber snip (12) or rubber band member (15). An anvil (20) and a press cutter/shaper (39) are arranged opposite to each other, and a cutting blade (38) is gradually inserted into an anvil groove (22), with at least one surface (38a, 38) of the blade (38) pressed against a periphery (22a) of the anvil groove (22). The cutting blade (38) protrudes from the boundary between inclined a pair of shaping surfaces (34, 35) towards the anvil 20, and has a cutting blade angle (F) that is smaller than angle (G) between the inclined shaping surfaces (34, 35).

Abstract: A bladder with an anti-tack rubber having suitable curing properties to turn up plies in manufacturing pneumatic tires is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the anti-tack rubber comprises 50 to 45 parts natural rubber cured with 50 to 60 parts chlorosulfonated polyethylene, 0.9 to 1.1 benzothaizyl disulfide and 0.9 to 1.1 phenylenediamine. A method of making the anti-tack rubber comprises mixing a first rubber and an anti-tack composition and blending curing agents to form a workable anti-tack rubber with suitable curing properties. An improved and simplified method to form a bladder with suitable anti-tack and curing properties, and a method for using a bladder to turn plies in manufacturing pneumatic tires, wherein the bladder is made from an anti-tack rubber is also disclosed.

Abstract: The tube material 2′ extrusion-molded by the extrusion molding machine has an air chamber peripheral wall 3i, a sealant chamber peripheral wall 3o and a partition wall 4. An air chamber 5 is defined between the air chamber peripheral wall 3i and the partition wall 4, and a sealant chamber 6 is defined between the sealant chamber peripheral wall 3o and the partition wall 4. On the air chamber peripheral wall 3i are protrusively formed a plurality of rib-shaped projections 15 each forming a thick portion for reinforcement. The thickness t3 of each of the projections is approximately equal to the thickness t1 of the peripheral wall 3 and the thickness t2 of the partition wall 4. It is possible to efficiently extrusion-mold the tube material 2′ having the thick portions for reinforcement by thus approximately equalizing the thickness of each part of the tube material 2 including the rib-shaped projections 15.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to optimization of the optical detection system for the use of optical emission spectroscopy in end-point detection. The optimization specifically addresses the needs of a radiant heated wafer system in a downstream process chamber environment. The present invention maximizes signal light from relevant reactions, maximizes signal-to noise and signal-to-background ratios, utilizes very small diagnostics access, collects light from the region of most intense light emission from endpoint processes, collects light from representative parts of an entire wafer with just one diagnostic access port to ensure complete end-point, and eliminates light signals from sources other than the wafer.

Abstract: A manufacturing line (2) is provided with work stations (5-10), each arranged to make and assemble at least one structural component of the tires (A-F) being processed. The structural components of each tire are assembled on a toroidal support provided with bar codes through which the model of the tire to be manufactured s identified and consequent adaptation of the work stations (5-10) to the particular tire working is carried out. Robotized arms (12-18) sequentially transfer the individual tires (A-F) between the different work stations (5-10), as well as to a curing line (3) equipped with molds (24-29) mounted on a turntable (30). The transfer rate on the curing line (3) is the same as the transfer rate between the work stations (5-10).

Abstract: A processing mold is suitable for preparing a tire support. One processing mold that is particularly advantageous includes a processing mold having a first mold body opposing a second mold body, and the first and second mold bodies are aligned through a mandrel. In one embodiment, a first mold body includes a locking member suitable for locking the mandrel to the first body. In this embodiment, the mandrel is movable between the first and second mold bodies such that when a processing mold is opened, the first mold body and the mandrel can separate from the second mold body. A method of using a processing mold by aligning a first mold body and a second mold body through a mandrel and a method of releasing a tire support from a processing mold by locking a mandrel to a first mold body and separating the first and second mold bodies are also particularly advantageous.

Abstract: A method of highly efficiently producing pneumatic tires, wherein both bead portions (B) of a green tire (G) are supported by a pair of holders (24, 50) and opposite axial ends of a bladder (25) are tightly attached to the holders (24, 50), respectively. The holders (24, 50) are joined to each other and a fluid is supplied into the bladder (25), to preliminarily inflate the bladder (25) within the green tire (G). The green tire (G) is transferred into a vulcanizer, together with the holders (24, 50) and the preliminarily inflated bladder (25). A heat medium is supplied into the bladder (25), to vulcanize the green tire (G) and form a vulcanized tire (K). The preliminary inflation of the bladder (25) at a location outside of the vulcanizer eliminates or shortens the waiting time within the vulcanizer, thereby improving the overall work efficiency and productivity at a tire factory.

Abstract: An in-line skate wheel and a applying indicia to a part thereof so that the indicia does not wear off before the wheel needs to be replaced. The skate wheel includes a hub having an internal bearing surface and an outer surface, a see-through tire formed about a portion of the hub and an element, such as a bladder, including indicia on an outer side thereof being positioned within the see-through tire. The method according to the present invention includes applying indicia to an element adapted to be located within a see-through material. The method comprises the steps of providing a bladder for locating within the see-through material and applying a first set of indicia on a first side surface of the bladder such that the indicia is visible when the bladder is viewed from a first side. The method also includes applying a second set of indicia on a second side surface of the bladder such that the second indicia set is visible when the bladder is viewed from the first side.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bonding a carcass for a tubed tire with a belt band that protects the radially inner side of the tire. The bonding surface is coated with a rubber solution, the belt band is placed thereon, and the bonding zone of tire and belt band is vulcanized. To achieve an increased resistance to separation between a biased carcass and a belt band, the zenith portion of the tire is reinforced with additional or overlapping plies in such a way that the rigidity of the outer half in the circumferential direction is greater than that of the inner half. While avoiding high speed accelerators, the rubber solution is provided with such a quantity of polymerizing agent that at the selected vulcanization temperature a vulcanizing time of between a third of a minute and ten minutes results. The tire, which is provided with the belt band and is in a position of use, is disposed onto a ring that is provided with a circumferential trough and is heated.

Abstract: Belt and tread transfer ring bladders and belt and tread drum expand bladders for use in fabrication of tires are provided with reinforcing layers (preferably of aramid fiber or fabric). The bladders are prepared by assembling on a cylindrical drum, first and second continuous, partially cured rubber belts with a layer of reinforcing material sandwiched there between. One edge of the continuous belt-sandwich is folded towards the outer edge, the latter edge is folded inwardly so as to overlap said first fold and the assembly is then cured advantageously using steam and pressure. The overlapped folds in the resulting bladder from the surface of the bladder which contacts the workpiece during use as either a transfer ring bladder or drum expand bladder. The bladder of the invention is found to possess a significantly extended working life as compared to bladders hitherto available.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire produced of elastomers, especially cast or injection molded polyurethanes has an inner body in which a reinforcement is embedded and anchored by means of holding ropes. The inner body may be provided as a closed tubular body and is encased by an outer body which accommodates a belt and is outwardly provided with a tread. At its side walls, the outer body is provided with respective bead cores in which area, the inner body of the tire is connected to the outer body.

Abstract: A tubular tire for cycles comprising a tubular toroidal body including an inner airtight tube to be inflated, the tire body or carcass being equipped, on the outer surface mating the wheel rim, with a rubberized tape having projecting portions such as profiles or prominences adapted to ensure a better engagement between the tire and the rim.The carcass is built by longitudinally joining together the edges of a rubberized fabric, the junction being radially external with respect to the tire and below the tread. The edges are joined either by overlapping or by abutment of the edges. In this latter case a reinforcement strip is provided between the carcass and the tread. An additional narrow strip protecting the junction is provided between the carcass and the inner or air tube.According to an embodiment the tire has a tunnel shaped cross-section obtained by suitably shaping the rubberized tape and the tire body when vulcanizing the tire.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a bladder which is to be disposed on each of axially opposite end portions of a tire building machine having a tire building drum, respectively, and is employed for turning back a ply cord bound on the tire building drum of the tire building machine, comprising of the steps of binding a bladder material on a cylindrical member, the bladder material being reinforced with cords and unvulcanized, the cylindrical member having two annular grooves formed in the outer peripheral portion thereof, binding a cloth belt containing water around the outer peripheral surface of the bladder material so that the bladder material is shaped conformingly to the outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical member and the two annular grooves, vulcanizing in a vulcanizing vessel the bladder material to form two annular ridges on the bladder material conformingly to the shape of the annular groove, and taking out the bladder material from the vulcanizing vessel and turning back the bladder material around

Abstract: A tubular and generally circular self-sealing tire body composite and method of making the same for use in the construction of tires (for example, radial) having at least a spliceless innerliner layer and a spliceless sealant layer. Desirably, the sealant layer is shorter than the innerliner layer and is centered with respect thereto. The tubular composite can be made by utilizing an innerliner stock and a sealant stock, forming layers therefrom and contiguously contacting said layers to form a contiguous, tubular and generally circular article for subsequent use in building a tire. Additionally, a ply stock may be used, formed into a layer with cord incorporated therein, and contiguously applied to said innerliner layer.

Abstract: A tire for two-wheel vehicle comprising a casing formed of a crown with a tread and two sidewalls each terminating in a bead intended to rest on a tire rim and an inner tube glued in manually removable manner to the inner wall of the casing in the region of the crown is improved due to the fact that the inner tube is glued under circumferential tension to the casing so that its inside equatorial radius is greater than the outside radius of the flanges of the rim. The adhesive used may have self-sealing properties.

Abstract: In the formation of an elastomeric tube or the like on a toroidal core, elastomeric material is applied to the core generally along one side of the core, and force-applying means are utilized to press annular portions of the so-deposited elastomeric material onto the core. Cutting means are also included for cutting away elastomeric material not deposited on the core. The core and elastomeric material deposited thereon are then turned over and the operation is repeated, whereby elastomeric tube means or the like are provided on the toroidal core.

Abstract: A cushioned toilet seat is made by first forming a sealed air-and-water tight annular inner tube having a configuration corresponding to that of the end product, then vacuum forming an annular recess or cavity in a first sheet of a cover material, then placing the previously formed sealed inner tube into the annular cavity, then placing a rigid annular member into the cavity on top of the inner tube, then placing a flat sheet of cover material over the cavity, and sealing it closed. Variations are disclosed in one of which the inner tube is filled or partially filled with a polyurethane foam produced by placing a quantity of expandable foamable polyurethane resin reaction mixture in the inner tube before sealing and then sealing the inner tube closed before the foam is fully expanded. In another embodiment, the inner tube is filled or partially filled with water.

Abstract: A retreading envelope is made by extruding a split tube of rubber which is passed over a rotating stretching wheel to stretch the split tube to a predetermined shape. The stretched split tube is removed from the stretching wheel after moving around a part of the circumference thereof and is turned inside out and placed on a table whereat it is formed and cut into an annular shape preparatory to completion of the retreading envelope.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a lubricant comprised of a mixture of a binder and a lubricating agent in a certain predetermined ratio. The binder is a wax type material having a melting point below the surface onto which the lubricant is applied and the lubricating agent is selected from a group consisting of talc, mica, whiting or Kaolin (China Clay).This lubricant is specifically designed to be applied to a relatively hot surface during a manufacturing operation so that the binder melts to form a film on the surface with the lubricating agent trapped or encapsulated within the film. The binder solidifies on cooling and the film then acts as a lubricant on the surface of the product in its later manufacturing operations and is of such a nature that it does not interfere with the final properties of the product.

Abstract: A method of forming a reinforcing fabric and in particular a body ply for a radial tire. A continuous narrow ribbon, which is formed of an uncured elastomeric material having a plurality of spaced substantially parallel reinforcing means, preferably individual steel filaments, embedded in the elastomeric material and extending along the length of the ribbon, is helically wound on a cylindrical drum with successive turns of the ribbon overlapping one another to form a cylinder whose wall thickness is greater than the thickness of the ribbon. The helical winding of the ribbon is continued until the length of the wound cylinder is approximately equal to the circumference of the bead of the radial tire to be produced.

Abstract: In the formation of an elastomeric tube or the like on a toroidal core, elastomeric material is applied to the core generally along one side of the core, and force-applying means are utilized to press annular portions of the so-deposited elastomeric material onto the core. Cutting means are also included for cutting away elastomeric material not deposited on the core. The core and elastomeric material deposited thereon are then turned over and the operation is repeated, whereby elastomeric tube means or the like are provided on the toroidal core.

Abstract: Self-curing elastomeric compounds in liquid suspension are sprayed onto a warmed rotating former having preferably a form developed from the radial dimensions of the inner tube to be made. The tube is cured and complete on the form by transposing one end of the sleeve to the opposite axial end of the former where the one end is seamed to the other end of the sleeve. Both the process and the tube produced by the process have advantages in manufacturing cost, in material saving, and at least equal quality performance relative to conventional inner tubes and methods of making them.

Abstract: A process for producing thermoplastic, elastomeric articles such as, for example, semi-pneumatic tires, comprising the steps of admixing a thermoplastic, elastomeric molding composition including a vulcanizable or otherwise thermosetable elastomer, inert filler materials, a plasticizer and certain processing aids. The molding composition is then milled into a flat sheet, extruded into a tubular shape, cut, shaped and then molded at a temperature less than about 70.degree. F into thermoplastic elastomeric articles such as, for example, semi-pneumatic tires.

Abstract: In the formation of an elastomeric tube or the like on a toroidal core, elastomeric material is applied to the core generally along one side of the core, and force-applying means are utilized to press annular portions of the so-deposited elastomeric material onto the core. Cutting means are also included for cutting away elastomeric material not deposited on the core. The core and elastomeric material deposited thereon are then turned over and the operation is repeated, whereby elastomeric tube means or the like are provided on the toroidal core.

Abstract: Blends of 5 to 95 wt. % conjugated diene-containing butyl rubber with 95 to 25 wt. % halobutyl or butyl rubber are capable of higher carbon black loading and have faster cure times, unusually high tensile strength and improved green strength. The blends may be cured with dienophilic compounds or sulfur-based cure packages.

Abstract: Blends of 5 to 95 wt. % conjugated diene-containing butyl rubber with 95 to 5 wt. % halobutyl or butyl rubber are capable of higher carbon black loading and have faster cure times, unusually high tensile strength and improved green strength. The blends may be cured with dienophilic compounds or sulfur-based cure packages.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing tire inner tubes in which the tube is moulded in two annular parts from worked uncured rubber, and the parts are joined but before curing of the rubber is completed the tube is stretched to a larger internal diameter and inflated into a mould with the larger internal diameter.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for use in building a closed torus tire. An expandable sleeve having an inflatable portion expands to wrap a sheet of tire building material partially about a disintegratable generally toroidal core. A bladder beneath the sleeve is then inflated to roll the sleeve toward the core causing the edges of the sheet to flip or snap from the sleeve surface to the core surface. The apparatus includes a drum expandable to either of two fully supported and different building diameters enabling stable support first of the core with at least one sheet of material engaged with the internal circumference of the core, and then the core with added thickness of tire components engaged with the internal diameter of the core.