Abstract: A winding unit (14) for forming a toroidal carcass (1) by winding a textile cord (5) in a spiral about a toroidal frame (7) defined by two coaxial annular beads (2) and by a removable annular element (9) located outwards of the beads (2) to define, with the beads (2), two annular openings (11); the unit (14) presenting a plate element (16) releasably connectable to the annular element (9), and a sprocket chain (27) supporting a spool (43) for the cord (5), and movable continuously, along a groove (25) formed on the plate element (16) and defining an endless path (P), to form a toroidal reticulated structure (4) about the annular element (9) and the beads (2); the endless path (P) presenting a C-shaped branch (P1) extending, in use, about the annular element (9), and an omega-shaped branch (P2) extending about a hole (21) for the passage of a respective bead (2), about the annular element (9), and through the two annular openings (11).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating various tire profiles. A linear-linear-rotary table carries a non-contacting probe that sequentially scans the entire outer surface of a tire. The non-contacting probe collects measurement data which is transferred to a processor to generate an average cross-sectional tire profile or a high definition cross-sectional tire profile of the tire being measured. The processor, in conjunction with the non-contacting probe, provides an automatic ranging feature which eliminates the need to manually adjust the non-contacting probe prior to the collection of measurement data.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining lateral tire tread stiffness includes a holding fixture that is coupled to a loading fixture. The holding fixture includes a frame on which is mounted a rotary table that carries the tire tread specimen to be tested. The loading fixture includes a loading plate that can apply a normal loading force and a lateral loading force to the tire tread specimen. A processor receives data from a monitoring device which provides an indication of the deformation of the tire tread specimen as a lateral load is applied thereto. The processor also receives data from a load cell which monitors the amount of force applied to the tread specimen and correlates this data with the displacement data to determine stiffness properties of the tread specimen. The processor also controls the angular position of the rotary table to further analyze the tread stiffness of particular tire tread geometry.

Abstract: A pneumatic passenger tire has an aspect ratio of greater than 50%, having bead portions with a height of not less than 30% of the tire section height, but no greater than the height of the maximum section width of the tire, and a pair of crescent-shaped sidewall inserts on either side of the belt package, disposed axially inward of the carcass structure, wherein the sidewall insert has a first inner end located at a position between 15% and 45% of height H of the bead portions, and a second outer end which extends to an axial position of not less than 40% of a half width of the outermost belt, as measured from the lateral edge of the belt toward an equatorial plane EP of the tire. The tire construction has sidewall insert is comprised of a sulfur-vulcanizable rubber compound having high compressive flex fatigue, high modulus and low hysterisis subsequent to vulcanization.

Abstract: A tire building drum (1) wherein two coaxial cylindrical half-drums (5) are fitted in sliding manner to a tubular central shaft (2), are moved in opposite directions along the central shaft (2) by a central screw (3), and are connected to each other by a telescopic central body (6) defined by a central tubular element (8) fixed in relation to an intermediate point of the central shaft (2), by two tubular end elements (10) integral with respective half-drums (5), and by at least an intermediate segment (13) interposed between the central tubular element (8) and each tubular end element (10), supported in sliding manner by the central tubular element (8), and movable towards the central tubular element (8) in opposition to a number of springs (23) and by virtue of the relative tubular end element (10).

Abstract: An air spring system adapted to be mounted on a vehicle for absorbing road shocks exerted on the vehicle and for maintaining the vehicle body level with respect to the axles. The air spring includes an end plate and a piston sealingly connected to the open ends of a flexible elastomeric sleeve to form a pressurized fluid chamber therebetween. The flexible elastomeric sleeve rolls over the piston to allow for expansion and contraction of the chamber during shocks. A height sensor is positioned between the sleeve and the piston and in some embodiments includes elements that are molded or embedded within the sleeve and/or piston or both.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming contoured tire carcass strips having a body ply consisting of two strips of elastomeric material containing individually spaced reinforcing cords sandwiched therebetween, an innerliner, a pair of abrasive gum sections, and pairs of first and second sidewall sections. The carcass strip and reinforcing cords have a contour configuration with a wider central portion and a pair of outwardly flared end portions connected to the central portion by two intermediate portions. The transverse distances between the cords are equal, with the distances being greater at the central portion than the intermediate and end portions. A grooved forming plate has a plurality of grooves in one surface in the configured pattern that the cords will take when sandwiched in the body ply. The cords are placed in the grooves of the forming plate and have two strips of elastomeric material applied thereto by a pair of vacuum transfer plates and a press.