Abstract: A method for depositing a piece of band-like elastomeric element on a forming support in a process for building a tyre for vehicle wheels. The method includes feeding a piece of band-like elastomeric element having a predetermined nominal length towards the forming support along a predetermined feeding direction and measuring the actual length of the piece along the feeding direction. If the actual length is lower than or equal to a circumferential length of a deposition surface defined on the forming support, the piece is deposited on the deposition surface while the forming support rotates about a rotation axis thereof. During such deposition the piece is pressed on the deposition surface with a pressing force selected as a function of the actual length.

Abstract: A carcass sleeve including a carcass ply and a pair of annular anchoring structures is fitted around a toroidal forming drum arranged in a first radially contracted operational condition. The carcass sleeve is toroidally shaped against a radially inner surface of an annular contrast element. The forming drum is positioned inside the carcass sleeve and is concurrently expanded towards a second operational condition. Upon reaching the second operational condition, the toroidally shaped carcass sleeve is coupled to the forming drum. The forming drum, coupled to the carcass sleeve, is adapted to be transferred in proximity of an application device of additional components externally to the carcass sleeve.

Abstract: A manufacturing method includes cutting out a sheet-like belt for one full circle of tire by cutting a master roll diagonally with respect to a longitudinal direction between a master roll table 10 and a belt table 14, moving the belt table 14 carrying the cut-out sheet-like belt to a winding position of the sheet-like belt, winding the sheet-like belt around a winding cylinder 50 at the winding position, and unwinding the sheet-like belt from the winding cylinder 50 in a place facing a molding drum 64 and forming a cylindrical belt by winding the sheet-like belt around the molding drum 64.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming a multi-layered tire component, the steps of the method including providing a mechanical system, the system including a plurality of cutting members; translating a sheet of material along a translation path through the mechanical system; cutting a first strip from the sheet with one or more of the plurality of cutting members, this step occurring during the step of translating; mechanically applying the first strip to a building surface, this step occurring during the step of translating; cutting a second strip from the sheet subsequent to the step of cutting the first strip, this step occurring during the step of translating; mechanically applying the second strip to a building surface, this step occurring during the step of translating.

Abstract: An apparatus cuts and applies a component to a tire during a tire building process. The apparatus includes an application head rotatable about a vertical axis and fitted to an X-Y table such that the component is applied to a curved tire profile spinning on a drum of a tire building machine. The application head feeds the component vertically downward to a predetermined position coincident with an intersection of the vertical axis of the application head and a horizontal plane defined by a horizontal axis of rotation of the drum of the tire building machine.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a pneumatic tire capable of easily and appropriately winding a sheet lamination body formed by a resin film and an unvulcanized rubber sheet around a shaping drum.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing a reinforcing ply N by assembling lengths of strip cut at an angle, comprising: a feed means (300) for delivering a strip (B), an assembly belt (101), a transfer means (200) for conveying onto the assembly belt a given length of straight-grain strip in a direction (AA?) comprising a retaining wall (211), parallel to the planes of the assembly belt (101) and of the feed means, and a first face (211a) of which is intended to come into contact with the surface of the strip, in which device the feed means (300), the transfer means (200) and the assembly belt (101) are fitted with magnetic means.

Abstract: On a building drum, anchoring structures to beads, carcass plies, a belt structure and/or other annular composite components are sequentially assembled with a liner, sidewalls, sidewall inserts, under-belt inserts or other annular elastomer components. Each of the sidewall inserts, sidewalls, or under-belt inserts is made as a one piece construction in a service station operating far away from the building drum for storage on a movable storing device. Actuating members operating on the movable storing device carry the annular elastomer components from the service station to the building drum. A transfer member picks up the annular elastomer components from the movable storing device to transfer them to the building drum.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus (10) for forming a tire component upon an axially tapered building surface (100). In particular embodiments, such methods include the step of providing a mechanical system, the system including a plurality of cutting members (42) and an application surface (64) for transferring material to the axially tapered building surface, the axially tapered surface comprising a surface of revolution that varies radially along a rotational axis of the surface. Particular embodiments may also include translating a sheet of material along a translation path through the mechanical system, and cutting a strip of material from the sheet with one or more of the plurality of cutting members during the step of translating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting device for, in a cutting direction, cutting a belt layer from a web of unvulcanised rubber having mutually substantially parallel cords that are at a cord angle, comprising: a blade which sideward with respect to the cutting direction, is freely movable; a first detector for during cutting detecting a sideward displacement of the +0d5; a control computer, operationally coupled to the first detector, for giving control instructions on the basis of displacement information from the detecting means regarding sideward displacement of the +0d5; at least one actuator, operationally coupled to the control means for during cutting adjusting the cutting direction of the +0d5 on the basis of the control instructions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting exposed and partially separated metal cords 17 in a cut end of a metallic cord reinforced strip 17 includes the steps of conveying and cutting the strip 17 and separating the cut ends and passing the conveyed cut strip 17 past a sensor means 40 for detecting any exposed partially separated metal cords or filaments. The preferred sensor means 40 includes a pair of closely spaced electrically conductive rollers 41, 42, a power source connected to one of the other rollers 41 or 42. When an exposed wire 26 touches both rollers 41 and 42 a circuit is closed giving indication of an exposed wire cord condition.

Abstract: An unvulcanized rubber member passed from the transfer terminal end of a liner to the outer peripheral surface of a winding roller is transferred and press-fitted to a winding body by rotating the winding roller. By this, the unvulcanized rubber member is transferred from the transfer terminal end of the liner to the winding body while being restrained by an outer peripheral surface of the winding roller. Thus, even if vibration is applied to a transfer means due to a diagonal waving, the winding position and the wound shape of the rubber member can be maintained substantially unchanged.

Abstract: Building a carcass structure in the manufacturing of a tire for vehicle wheels includes associating, at each end edge of a carcass ply laying on a forming support, at least one respective annular reinforcing structure obtained by depositing at least one respective reinforcing element. The deposition of the at least one respective reinforcing element includes feeding a continuous reinforced band-like element at a cutting unit, cutting to size at least one first reinforcing element from the continuous reinforced band-like element, moving the first reinforcing element from the cutting unit toward a first end edge of the carcass ply, positioning the first reinforcing element on the first end edge, cutting to size at least one second reinforcing element from the continuous reinforced band-like element, moving the second reinforcing element from the cutting unit toward a second end edge of the carcass ply opposite said first end edge, and positioning the second reinforcing element on the other end edge.

Abstract: The present invention can transfer a belt member on a supply conveyor onto a building drum from an inclined distal end portion while holding on both side edge portions in the width direction thereof and can efficiently adhere the belt member according to the rotation of the building drum. As a means for such building, using a supply conveyor (5) which places the belt member (B1) thereon and a hand device (10) which includes holding members (17a), (17b) having press plates (16a), (16b) extending in the feeding direction of the supply conveyor.

Abstract: To provide a plurality of conveyor belts which are disposed, with a space kept mutually in the width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction thereof, and capable of running along the longitudinal direction thereof in such a state that the sheet pieces with cords are placed thereon, and a lift mechanism installed between the plurality of conveyor belts to support the sheet pieces with cords on the upstream side or those on the downstream side in the longitudinal direction among the sheet pieces with cords placed on the conveyor belts while in contact with these sheet pieces from the lower side, thereby allowing them to make a relative upward movement from the sheet placing surfaces of the conveyor belts.

Abstract: In tire manufacture, a belt structure is made by means of strip-like segments each including parallel cords incorporated into an elastomeric layer, which strip-like segments are sequentially laid down in mutual circumferential side by side relationship on a toroidal support.

Abstract: A method of cutting an elastomeric strip of material is described. The method includes the step of advancing a strip of material 2 a predetermined distance by a conveyor means 30. Resisting reverse movement of the strip 2; tensioning the strip 2; and cutting simultaneously across the entire width of the strip 2 through the thickness of the strip 2 on a skive angle of 45 degrees or less preferably about 28 degrees to form a cut length of material thereby relaxing the tension in the strip as the skive cut ends 3 and 4 move apart.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for manufacturing tires for vehicle wheels, includes building, on a toroidal support, a carcass structure including at least one carcass ply associated, at axially opposite end edges thereof, with annular anchoring structures, the building step of the carcass structure includes forming at least one reinforcing structure, operatively associated with the annular anchoring structures through deposition on the toroidal support of at least one reinforcing element along a predetermined curvilinear deposition path. The deposition of the at least one reinforcing element includes the steps of: cutting to size a piece of at least one reinforcing continuous band-like element fed by a feeding device along a predetermined feeding direction, deforming the piece obtained according to the curvature of a deposition part of the deposition path intended to receive the piece, and depositing the deformed piece at the deposition part.

Abstract: There is provided a belt member producing method including forming a strip piece 17 of a predetermined width W by cutting a strip material 12 including a plurality of reinforcement cords 11 to a regular size, conveying the strip piece 17 to a transfer conveyor 22 in such a manner that cut sides 19 of the strip piece 17 are in parallel with a traveling direction B of the transfer conveyor 22 and overlapping continuously an integral number Nint of strip pieces 17 on each other on the transfer conveyor 22 in such a manner that the strip pieces 17 are overlapped on each other by an overlapping amount P along non-cut sides 18 thereof, so as to produce a belt member 30 having a desired length equal to a predetermined length L of a belt layer of a pneumatic radial tire, the belt member producing method being characterized by including selecting a desired cutting angle ?pre relative to a traveling direction A of the strip material 17 when the strip material 12 is cut to the regular size, calculating a number Ncal of

Abstract: Device for manufacturing a cut-to-length pre-assembly for a tire, wherein in the pre-assembly first and second side walls are situated on either side of an inner liner. The device comprises a supply conveyor for conveying the cut pre-assembly to the building drum. The device is provided with a first side wall measuring device for measuring the length of the first side wall of the cut pre-assembly and for giving a first side wall measuring signal indicative of the measured length of the first side wall, with a second side wall measuring device for measuring the length of the second side wall of the cut pre-assembly and for giving a second side wall measuring signal indicative of the measured length of the second side wall, and with an inner liner measuring device for measuring the length of the inner liner of the cut pre-assembly and for giving an inner liner measuring signal indicative of the measured length of the inner liner.

Abstract: The invention can firmly and easily remove a finely divided weft piece without leaving the weft piece by constituting a method and an apparatus of removing weft from a cord fabric for a topping sheet in a calender line for topping rubber on a number of pieces of aligned cords by a calender roll. In the midst of transferring a cord fabric (F) transferred to a calender apparatus, weft is finely divided by passing the cord fabric (F) through weft dividing means, thereafter, a plurality of blades (45) arranged movably in a width direction on an upper face side of the cord fabric (F) are reciprocally moved in the width direction over an entire width thereof to be brought into contact with the cord fabric (F), and the divided weft piece (W1) is wiped off to remove by respectively striking respective cords (C) of the cord fabric (F) by the respective blades (45).

Abstract: A tire comprising a crown reinforcing belt formed of a plurality of reinforcing plies (13, 14) superposed on one another, each reinforcing ply comprising mutually parallel threads coated in a weakly electrically conducting rubber compound and making a given angle with the said circumferential direction, characterized in that one strand of electrically conducting thread (20) passes right through the belt at a given point, and in that a first free end (21) of the said strand runs along the radially external face of the said belt and that the second free end of the said strand (22) runs along the radially internal face of the said reinforcing belt.

Abstract: A method of providing an extruded tire tread (T) with anti-static properties. In this method, a pin (10) is coated with an electrically conductive material (M). The coated pin (10) pierces the tire tread (T) to form an opening (12) of the desired depth and then is withdrawn. During withdrawal of the pin (10), the material (M) remains in the pierced opening (12) so that a conductive body (14) is formed in the tire tread (T). The pin (10) can then be re-coated with the material (M) and the cycle repeated to produce a plurality of conductive bodies (14) in the tire tread (T).

Abstract: A tire structural member fabricating method fabricates a tire structural member by successively and contiguously attaching strips 1 to the convex outer surface having an outwardly convex cross section of a forming drum 11 by a strip feed device 21 such that the strips 1 extend obliquely to the center axis C of the forming drum 11. The strip feed device 21 moves parallel to the center axis C of the forming drum 11 at a fixed speed V and feeds strips 1 successively onto the outer surface of the forming drum 11. A controller 40 controls the rotation of the forming drum 11 such that the angular velocity ? of the forming drum 11 varies gradually.

Abstract: The feeding apparatus is provided with a first feeding section for feeding a long-formed sheet in the longitudinal direction of the sheet, a second feeding section for feeding the long-formed sheet delivered from the first feeding section in a direction intersecting obliquely with the feeding direction of the first feeding section and a control section for controlling the first feeding section and the second feeding section so that the second feeding section starts to operate before the leading end of the long-formed sheet delivered from the first feeding section is in contact with the second feeding section.

Abstract: A method of cutting an elastomeric strip of material is described. The method includes the step of advancing a strip of material 2 a predetermined distance by a conveyor means 30. Resisting reverse movement of the strip 2; tensioning the strip 2; and cutting simultaneously across the entire width of the strip 2 through the thickness of the strip 2 on a skive angle of 45 degrees or less preferably about 28 degrees to form a cut length of material thereby relaxing the tension in the strip as the skive cut ends 3 and 4 move apart.

Abstract: A cord-reinforced band 2 having at least one cord 1 is cut into a plurality of cord-reinforced strips 3 of a predetermined length L. The cord-reinforced strips 3 are arranged successively such that side edge parts of adjacent cord-reinforced strips 3 overlap each other and the adjacent cord-reinforced strips are bonded together to form a tire structural member of a pre-determined length with respect to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal side edges of the cord-reinforced strips 3. The tire structural member manufacturing method uses one and the same extrusion die 14 having an extrusion opening of a fixed width regardless of a pitch at which the cords 1 are arranged. Thus, the tire structural member manufacturing method is simpler.

Abstract: Method of laying a tire belt ply on a form, using one or two transporters each having gripping assemblies, for gripping and moving the gripping sectors situated at the two longitudinal ends of a belt ply. The front and rear edges are aligned, after having determined the angular geometry of the ply edges by means of a suitable device, by independently moving at least one gripping sector of each of the front and rear areas. This method makes it possible to align edges having high curvatures and to lay a belt ply on a curved form.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tread (1) application device for applying a tread on a building drum (20) for a tire, comprising a tread conveying device (15) for conveying a tread to a building drum, from a feed side (12) of the tread conveying device to a discharge side (13) of the tread conveying device in a conveyance direction, and a positioning device for positioning the tread on the building drum, wherein the positioning device comprises measuring means (17) for determining the position of a segment of the tread and generating a position value, displacement means for displacing a segment of the tread with a displacement directional component parallel to the axis (21) of rotation of the building drum, and control means (28), connected to the measuring means and the displacement means, for on the basis of the position value controlling the displacement device during the application of the tread on the building drum.

Abstract: A method of providing an extruded tire tread (T) with anti-static properties. In this method, a pin (10) is coated with an electrically conductive material (M). The coated pin (10) pierces the tire tread (T) to form an opening (12) of the desired depth and then is withdrawn. During withdrawal of the pin (10), the material (M) remains in the pierced opening (12) so that a conductive body (14) is formed in the tire tread (T). The pin (10) can then be re-coated with the material (M) and the cycle repeated to produce a plurality of conductive bodies (14) in the tire tread (T).

Abstract: The feeding apparatus is provided with a first feeding section for feeding a long-formed sheet in the longitudinal direction of the sheet, a second feeding section for feeding the long-formed sheet delivered from the first feeding section in a direction intersecting obliquely with the feeding direction of the first feeding section and a control section for controlling the first feeding section and the second feeding section so that the second feeding section starts to operate before the leading end of the long-formed sheet delivered from the first feeding section is in contact with the second feeding section.

Abstract: A feed unit for feeding elastomeric material, extruded by at least one extruder, to at least one user unit, and wherein a variable-length conveyor is supported by a first and a second supporting device located at an input end and an output end of the conveyor respectively; and wherein the first supporting device is connected to the conveyor to allow the conveyor to rotate about a vertical first axis and a horizontal second axis, both crosswise to a travelling direction of the elastomeric material along the conveyor; the second supporting device is extensible vertically and connected to the conveyor by a first releasable joint; and the conveyor is connectable to the user unit by a second releasable joint.

Abstract: A tire structural member manufacturing method forms a tire structural member from a narrow continuous strip by small, inexpensive equipment capable of being directly combined with a tire structural member forming machine, and a tire structural member manufacturing system carries out the tire structural member manufacturing method. The tire structural member manufacturing methods consists of a small number of steps and can be carried out by an efficient, simple, inexpensive tire structural member manufacturing system. The tire structural member manufacturing method forms a tire structural member by the steps of continuously forming a continuous strip of a width including that of a joint lap, cutting the continuous strip into successive cut strips of a length substantially equal to the section width of a tire, and successively laying and joining a predetermined number of the cut strips.

Abstract: A supply device for a tire-building drum, in particular for a tire-belt drum for building a multilayer tire-belt package for a pneumatic tire, where a plurality of layers of different or differently treated, substantially strip-like pieces of material web are, in succession, placed on, rolled onto, and bonded to one another on the tire-building drum. The supply device has cutting devices in which cut-to-length pieces of material web are formed and then transported to the tire-building drum by a drum supply device, which has two drum feed belts. Two pairs of cutting devices are disposed mutually above one another and assigned to the drum feed belts. The cutting devices are displaceable relative to the drum feed belts such that, in the backward receptive position, the drum feed belts can be brought into active contact in alternation with one of the pairs of cutting devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a reinforced elastomeric fabric having a gauge thickness G and a cord spacing S, the apparatus comprising: a die having a plurality of holes for receiving a reinforcement cord, the holes providing a cord spacing of about S/2, a first and second calender roll located adjacent the die, the die having a end plate having a slot wherein the slot is located adjacent a calender roll so that the reinforcement cords are pressed into engagement with a ribbon of elastomeric material, the calender rolls being spaced to provide a gauge thickness of about G/2, the apparatus further comprising a cutter for cutting the ribbon of reinforced elastomeric material into segments having a length L, each segment having a width W, each segment having lateral edges, said apparatus further comprising a pick arm for placing a plurality of segments onto a conveyor so that the lateral ends of adjacent segments are lap spliced together, the lap splice having a width W/2.

Abstract: A tire belt machine comprises an extruder, a cooling drum, and a cutting station, such that the cooling drum draws a strip from the extruder. The cutting station is adapted to cut the strip into a plurality of plies that are laid adjacent one another to form a splice therebetween. A strip width sensor, a strip tracking system, and a strip temperature sensor are coupled to a central control unit to monitor the characteristics of the strip as it is processed. Based upon the monitored characteristics, the central control unit adjusts the operation of one or more of the components of the tire belt machine to maintain uniform splices between the strips.

Abstract: An object is to provide a tire reinforcing layer forming device which can form, by a single device, plural reinforcing layers whose cord directions intersect one another. A reinforcing material piece 12A, which is distributed to an upper conveying path 72U, is affixed from a left end side of a drum 16 toward a right side, while the drum 16 is rotated in a direction of arrow CW. In this way, the reinforcing material piece 12A, which is affixed to an outer peripheral surface of the drum 16, falls to the right, i.e., rises to the left. Thereafter, similarly, the reinforcing material pieces 12A are successively affixed without gaps, and a first reinforcing layer is formed. Next, the reinforcing material piece 12A, which is distributed to a lower conveying path 72D, is affixed from the left end side of the drum 16 toward the right side, while the drum 16 is rotated in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting exposed and partially separated metal cords 17 in a cut end of a metallic cord reinforced strip 17 includes the steps of conveying and cutting the strip 17 and separating the cut ends and passing the conveyed cut strip 17 past a sensor means 40 for detecting any exposed partially separated metal cords or filaments. The preferred sensor means 40 includes a pair of closely spaced electrically conductive rollers 41, 42, a power source connected to one of the other rollers 41 or 42. When an exposed wire 26 touches both rollers 41 and 42 a circuit is closed giving indication of an exposed wire cord condition.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a reinforcing structure for tires of vehicles includes the steps of preparing a plurality of strip segments having substantially parallel, longitudinal filiform elements at least partially coated by at least one layer of elastomeric material, and applying the plurality of strip segments along a circumference of a toroidal support, to form at least one continuous reinforcing layer about a geometric axis of rotation of the toroidal support. During the applying step, a relative angular rotation, between at least one of the plurality of strip segments and the toroidal support, occurs about an axis of correction substantially radial to the geometric axis of rotation. A related apparatus for manufacturing a reinforcing structure for tyres of vehicles is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method of cutting a sheet of feed stock comprising: positioning a cutting mechanism having a cutting line positioned between a first conveyor roller and a second conveyor roller; advancing the feed stock to align the feed stock into position over the cutting line; lowering the cutting blade to cut through the feed stock, traversing the cutting blade through the feed stock to cut the feed stock into sheets of a desired length.

Abstract: A device for storing and transferring strip sections of rubber produced intended for making a tire cover, includes a storage cylinder mounted to rotate about a horizontal axis of revolution on a frame which is in turn mounted on a support. A flexible strip forming a closed loop is movable around part of the cylinder. The cylinder and the flexible strip are suitable for clamping a strip section between one another. The frame is mounted to rotate on the support about a second axis oriented perpendicular to the axis of revolution of the storage cylinder.

Abstract: A method of cutting an elastomeric strip of material is described. The method includes the step of advancing a strip of material 2 a predetermined distance by a conveyor means 30. Resisting reverse movement of the strip 2; tensioning the strip 2; and cutting simultaneously across the entire width of the strip 2 through the thickness of the strip 2 on a skive angle of 45 degrees or less preferably about 28 degrees to form a cut length of material thereby relaxing the tension in the strip as the skive cut ends 3 and 4 move apart.

Abstract: Apparatus for fabricating a strip-like reinforcement structure for a tire, which includes a laying head for laying the strip. The laying head includes a guidance passage for the strip formed by slots, rolling-down rollers intended to cooperate with a form, a cutter for cutting the strip into separate arches, and a turning-over mechanism for turning over the strip about its own longitudinal axis for causing an opposite face of the strip to face the form. The turning-over mechanism includes a frame mounted on two bearings in a cradle of the laying head. The frame can turn through at least 180° with respect to the cradle for inverting the strip.

Abstract: There is provided a tire structural member forming method capable of forming a structural member of a tire for a vehicle at a low cost, using a simple mechanism satisfactory in space efficiency and capable of setting a band-shaped member of a predetermined length on a forming drum in a high setting accuracy.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a vehicle tire includes means for preparing and toroidally shaping a carcass structure, preparing and arranging a belt structure as a crown around the carcass structure, and wrapping a tread around the belt structure. The means for preparing the belt structure includes an extrusion apparatus for forming a sheet of rubber-coated fabric including a plurality of reinforcing cords substantially parallel to one another, means for conveying the sheet, a first cutting device for cutting the sheet to obtain a plurality of strips, a device for transferring the strips, a device for splicing the strips to form a substantially continuous belt assembly, means for conveying the strips and the belt assembly, second and third cutting devices, means for conveying the belt strips and portions of the belt strips, and at least one assembly drum adapted to support the portions of the belt strips.

Abstract: Method of laying a tire belt ply on a form, using one or two transporters each having gripping assemblies, for gripping and moving the gripping sectors situated at the two longitudinal ends of a belt ply. The front and rear edges are aligned, after having determined the angular geometry of the ply edges by means of a suitable device, by independently moving at least one gripping sector of each of the front and rear areas. This method makes it possible to align edges having high curvatures and to lay a belt ply on a curved form.

Abstract: A method of making a tire includes forming at least one first carcass ply of a structure, forming at least one circumferentially-inextensible annular structure, and applying the at least one circumferentially-inextensible annular structure to a region close to inner cicumferential edges of the at least one first carcass ply. Forming the at least one first carcass ply includes preparing first strip lengths, each first strip length including longitudinal and parallel thread elements at least partly coated with at least one layer of raw elastomer material, and depositing the first strip lengths onto a toroidal support to define two side portions and a crown portion. The crown portions are disposed consecutively in side-by-side relationship along a circumferential extension of the toroidal support. The side portions of each first strip length cover in part or are partly covered by a side portion of at least one circumferentially-consecutive first strip length.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a vehicle-tire belt structure includes preparing half-strips; splicing respective half-strips to form belt strips; moving the belt strips toward at least one assembly drum; and superposing portions of the belt strips to form a belt structure. Related methods for manufacturing vehicle-tire belt packages and crown structures are also disclosed. A plant for manufacturing a vehicle-tire belt structure includes an extrusion apparatus to form a fabric sheet; means to transport the sheet; a device for cutting the sheet to form multiple strips; a device for preparing first and second half-strips; means for transporting the half-strips; a device for splicing the first half-strips and the second half-strips to form belt strips; a device for cutting the belt strips into portions; and at least one assembly drum adapted to support the portions. Related plants for manufacturing vehicle-tire belt packages and crown structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cutting segment for a False Drum (100,200,300) having a cylindrical outer surface (202,306) comprises a slot (204,224,330) extending generally axially from end-to-end of the cylindrical surface, a door panel (322) having substantially the same size and shape as the slot; and a mechanism (320) for opening and closing the door panel. The mechanism for selectively opening and closing the door panel includes an elongate lever (324), one end of which supports the door panel, the other end of which is pivotally attached to a stationary portion (point) of the drum, a spring (326) extending between an inner surface of the door panel and another stationary portion of the drum; and an inflatable pneumatic tube (328) disposed between the lever and yet another stationary portion of the drum. There is thereby provided a method of supporting material overlying the cutting slot of the False Drum, by opening the slot when cutting the material, and closing the slot when not cutting the material.

Abstract: Device for conveying and preparing belt construction strip having parallel reinforcing members embedded in belt construction material includes first and second conveying devices, successively positioned in the feed direction without lateral stops for belt construction strip, to laterally align belt construction strip. Drive device laterally moves first conveying device relative to feed direction, sensor device has at least two sensors to detect position of side edges of belt construction strip, and holding device holds a front tip of belt construction strip in controlled manner in region of second conveying device. First conveying device positioned upstream of second conveying device relative to feed direction, and sensor device positioned to determine alignment of edge of belt construction strip and/or alignment of center of belt construction strip. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.