Abstract: The method of folding overlap side edges of a wide breaker ply over side edges of a narrow breaker ply wrapped around the wide breaker ply on circumferentially spaced modules wherein the modules have axially movable belt lifting and conveying nose members to carry the overlap side edges of the wide breaker ply axially over the side edges of the narrow breaker ply and position the wide side edges of the wide breaker ply over the narrow breaker ply side edges. The nose members are then retracted to peel the belt away from the folded overlap side edges of the wide breaker ply.

Abstract: A segmented tire mold having radially movable circumferentially spaced sliding center segments activated by sliding connections between an upper mold half and the segments in response to opening and closing of the mold.

Abstract: A dummy plug for wiring harnesses is disclosed. The dummy plug is used in an unused connector cavity of the wiring harness, thereby electrically isolating the connector cavity in the wiring harness to prevent short circuits. The dummy plug is substantially flush with the latch arm of the wiring harness, so that a pogo pin can determine whether or not the connector cavity is in use. The dummy plug has a design such that pressure blowout is prevented. A method for plugging an unused connector cavity is also disclosed, the method including the steps of providing a dummy plug having a head, a stem, and a female end, providing a wiring harness having at least one connector cavity and at least one latch arm and inserting the dummy plug into the unused connector cavity so that the female end is substantially flush with the latch arm.

Abstract: A rubber composition having improved processability and which provides a vulcanized rubber exhibiting excellent wear resistance and good tensile strength to service temperatures of up to about 150° C. The composition comprises (1) a crosslinked polymer particle having as repeat units (a) up to about 25% of a conjugated diene unit, (b) at least 70% of an aromatic vinyl unit, (c) about 15% to about 30% of a crosslinking monomer, and (d) about 0.

Abstract: A core-shell particle for use as filler in rubber compositions. In one embodiment, the particle comprises a crosslinked core having repeat aromatic vinyl units. During an emulsion polymerization, a crosslinked shell comprising of conjugated diene units is grafted onto the core through residual vinyl units. The polymeric shell provides for better interaction and dispersion of the styrene core in an otherwise immiscible polymer matrix, particularly diene-based polymers. In another embodiment, the core has repeat units of (i) about 0% to about 25% by weight of a conjugated diene unit, (ii) about 70% to about 85% by weight of an aromatic vinyl unit, and (iii) about 15% to about 30% by weight of a crosslinking monomer unit.

Abstract: A tire bundle is molded in a mold cavity formed by closing a mold having upper and lower mold halves with intermeshing fingers (20, 24) for enclosing bead wires and providing a molded bead ring for placing in a bead apex mold.

Abstract: A lawn mower blade having a thickness of approximately 0.075 inches comprises a main body, an elevational profile, and end portions equidistant from the center of the blade. The elevational profile consists of a raised portion that reaches a height at the plateau portion at the center of the blade. The elevational profile increases at an angle &agr; as the end portions approach the plateau. Each of the first and second end portions has a cutting edge portion. The height to blade thickness ratio is at least two-to-one. Further, since the mower blade is generally not heat treated, ribbing is added to the mower blade to provide strength.

Abstract: A method for relieving pressure in a vulcanized tire while still in a tire press is disclosed, wherein the bladder securement mechanism utilizes a position sensor mechanism and eliminates the need for spacers and a floating piston. A tire press comprises a lower mold, an upper mold, and a bladder securement mechanism. The bladder securement mechanism has an upper clamping mechanism for securing the upper periphery of a bladder and a lower clamping mechanism for securing the lower periphery of the bladder. A center mechanism tube has a center mechanism rod positioned therein. A piston is disposed within the center mechanism tube. The piston provides reciprocating motion to the center mechanism rod. A position sensor mechanism operatively associated with the bladder securement mechanism.

Abstract: A bladder removing apparatus for a tire vulcanizer having a movable boom swiveled on a horizontally movable platform with a flexible connecting member carried by the boom for attachment to the bladder, whereby the platform is moveable and the boom is swingable into a centered position of the bladder, upon lifting of said bladder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing an unvulcanized tire tread from a storage device (14) includes the step of inverting the tread (12) and transporting it to a roller conveyor in a single step. The tread (12) is picked up by a vacuum bar (80) fitted with a series of suction cups (76). Individual suction cups (76) can be selectively supplied with vacuum depending on the length of the tread (12). After the suction cups (76) have engaged the tread, the tread is raised from the storage device (14), inverted through 180 degrees, and then set onto a special slotted roller conveyor (130). The slotted roller conveyor (130) has a center slot (142) to receive the vacuum bar (80) as it passes therethrough. Side slots (144,146) in the conveyor receive arms (90,92) attached to the vacuum bar (80).

Abstract: A system and method for privatizing computer data involves the steps of opening a plurality of original data files, fragmenting said original data files into fragments, and interspersing said fragments among each other forming composite files (privacy protected files). The method then includes the steps of creating a reconstitution file, which identifies hidden dispersion locations and placement of individual fragments to reconstruct the original data files. Finally, the composite files are dispersed to hidden locations. To enhance security, each fragment may be disguised through a multiplicity of high speed mathematical operations, which are directed by a fragment handling guide drawn from a random table, before interspersing fragments in the composite files.

Abstract: An apparatus for starting an engine comprises a frame and an internal combustion engine operatively mounted to the frame. A control member is operatively connected to the frame, wherein the control member has an activated position and a deactivated position. The control member adapted to complete an engine circuit when in the activated position. An energy storage medium is operatively associated with the engine such that release of energy stored in the energy storage medium turns the engine and facilitates its starting. A starting assembly is utilized to release the stored energy in the energy storage medium. As such, an operator must utilize two separate and distinct actions, activating the control member and activating the starting assembly, to restart the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A vertical underground stump grinding apparatus having an elongated stump grinding tool rotatable about a vertical axis with cutting blades on the surface and a drilling end rotatably mounted on a vehicle such as a hydraulic excavator or skid steer loader which provide adequate power to rotate the tool and directional support to provide vertical movement into the ground adjacent the stump, transverse movement underground toward and in grinding engaged with the sides of the stump and removal by lifting out of the ground after the stump is ground away.

Abstract: Providing a narrow strip of electrically conductive rubber extending from a lower undertread layer to the surface of the tread by positioning a slotted chimney block in an outer tread rubber passage of a tire tread die and having the chimney block passage in communication with a lower undertread passage of the tire tread die.

Abstract: A cleaning device for use with a gutter system includes at least a first body portion connected to the top of the gutter pipe. The cleaning device includes a downspout, connected to the gutter, with a flexible segment. The flexible segment can be extended or compressed to allow removal or insertion into a storm drainage pipe. The downspout may pivot at the flexible segment to divert water away from the structure while the cleaning device is in use.