Abstract: A method for predicting product performance uses sample data from a manufactured product under at least first and second different conditions, to establish transfer functions and a bias term simultaneously, which are then used to predict second condition properties for product when first condition properties are measured. In an illustrated embodiment, a method for predicting tire uniformity, preferably a harmonic component of force variation, preferably when operating at a high speed, is based on a tire's tested uniformity. A production tire's predicted tire uniformity is determined by a calculation using transfer functions applied to production tire measurement data obtained from factory floor testing equipment, which includes a factory floor balance checker and a factory tire uniformity machine, where the data are modified by a bias term that minimizes the machines contribution to the data.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the fatigue of a sample of cord or filament (12) by bending it over a fixed surface (19). The apparatus comprises a tensioner (14), a fixed bending surface (19) and a driving mechanism (24), whereby the driving mechanism (24) causes a non-twisting bending of cord or filament (12) over bending surface (19) while tensioner (14) maintains a constant tension on cord or filament (12). In a method of the invention, a cord or filament (12) is attached to a tensioner (14), the cord or filament (12) is mounted on fixed bending surface (19) and attached to non-stationary roller (20), and driving mechanism (24) is activated to cause a back and forth movement of roller (20), thereby causing filament or cord (12) to bend back and forth over fixed bending surface (19) until it breaks.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a plurality of samples comprises a carousel, means for indexing the movement of the carousel, an environmental chamber, and means for positioning the sample for viewing and measuring the results of the testing. The environmental chamber makes possible testing at elevated or reduced temperatures, and testing in a variety of atmospheres. The sample positioning means and the viewing means are automated.

Abstract: A sealed container is provided with a sensor capable of monitoring the physical and/or chemical condition of materials stored in the container. The sensor may or may not have its own power source. In the embodiment where the sensor does not have a power source, a communicator induces a signal in the sensor and receives a return signal with the desired data. The container may be a metal or a nonmetal.

Abstract: A method and algorithm for predicting the fluid loss rate of a system, uses data for the leak rate from the system for a substitute fluid that leaks at a different rate than the system fluid. In the illustrated embodiment, the system is a pneumatic tire and the substitute fluid is helium gas. The helium leak rate data is used in a Fortran program to predict the air loss rate from the tire by determining the leak rate factor f’ for helium, as compared to air, and using ‘f’ to calculate the air loss rate.

Abstract: By measuring the pressure distribution between fabricating equipment and a product formed in that equipment, and optionally the sequence in which the pressure is applied, the quality of product formation may be optimized. In an illustrated embodiment, pressure sensors are placed between a turn-up bladder and a tire apex in tire building equipment, and the pressure applied by the equipment, and the sequence of pressure application are observed and are correlated with product quality.

Abstract: A pendulum device is used to test the rolling resistance of a material. The device includes a rolling unit for contact with the material being tested, an assembly for initiating pendulum motion of the device, and measuring the amplitude of the pendulum motion over time. The rate of decrease of the amplitude of the pendulum motion is a measure of the rolling resistance of the material.

Abstract: The display device illustrates the ability to maintain a load without the support of compressed air. The display device comprises an expandable base (24) in contact with the floor, a support (32) connected to the expandable base wherein a distal end (30) of the support is substantially, vertically above the base, and a display (17) attached to the distal end of the support wherein the display comprises a plurality of tire sections (12, 14) and each tire section has compression means (16, 18) associated therewith for compressing the tire section.

Abstract: A method for grounding reinforcement (12) and composites (17) on a calender line reduces static build up on the composite (17), and makes it possible to subject a wire reinforced composite to electron beam processing (EBP). The method employs a slip ring (36) attached to rolls which contact composite (17) on the calender (11), and reinforcement (12) before it reaches the calender (11), wherein the slip ring (36) rotates with the rolls while the rolls are working polymer into the reinforcement, and a terminal (34) connected to the slip ring (36) remains stationary, and the terminal (34) is attached to ground (27). The method effectively grounds the composite as well as the reinforcement to prevent electrical discharge during EBP.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring abradability of a sample comprises a rotating drum with a rough surface and a means for contacting a sample with the rough surface while the drum is rotating. The sample may be caused to rotate relative to the drum, and to translate across the drum while the drum is rotating. Environmental controls may be used to control the temperature and the atmospheric conditions of the test. In the method of the invention, energy consumed by contact between the sample and the drum, as well as the weight loss of the sample, may be measured.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire, which has belts, gum strips and an overlay, which contain 2-15 phr of thermoplastic reinforcing polymer as an addition to a compound or as a replacement for 5-25 phr of carbon black, has good high speed properties.

Abstract: Leaks in a steam expansion vessel, such as a flexible curing bladder, may be detected during a high temperature curing cycle by using a humidity sensor in an article curing and leak checking apparatus. The effectiveness of the humidity sensor may be enhanced by selecting or creating a path in the apparatus incorporating the humidity sensor for detecting a leakage of steam, which tends to direct escaping steam to the humidity sensor in a substantially concentrated flow. The humidity sensor may be encased in a portion of the apparatus.

Abstract: In determining the integrity of a fluid containing system, testing for integrity can be accelerated by injecting a first fluid into the system that is less viscous, or has a smaller molecular or atomic size or weight than a second fluid for which the system was designed, and measuring its rate of escape from the system. In an illustrated embodiment, helium is substituted for air in testing the leakage or diffusion rate of tires. As it escapes from the system, the first fluid is trapped in a container, which surrounds the system, and is detected using a sensor adapted for that purpose. The rate of leakage or diffusion of the first fluid is measured, and the rate data is used to estimate the rate of leakage or diffusion of the second fluid from the system.

Abstract: An aircraft tire with two aquachannels (14) provides a wide band area (17) in the central portion of the tread for improved wear properties. The aquachannels each comprise 4.5% to 7% of the tread width based on the design tread width of the tire.

Abstract: Rubber composites, for example pneumatic tipes, can be made using seamless, tubular reinforcement (14). By pulling socks of seamless tubular reinforcement over, for example, a tire building drum (10), spliceless carcass reinforcement (18) and spliceless belts (64) can be incorporated into tires. Methods of treating the spliceless tubular material, by drawing and by adhesive coating, enhance its strength and adhesion to rubber.

Abstract: A tire (10) having a continuous folded belt construction (24) is shown to be more durable than conventional tire made using conventional steel reinforced cut belts. The folded belt construction of the invention is made by folding a reinforced (22) strip upon itself, wherein the folding is always in the same direction. The continuous folded belt construction may include an elastomeric core (23) that provides adhesion between the folded layers, and reduces kinking at the folded edges. Also, a splice (28) is used wherein substantial overlap is provided between two ends of the folded belt construction, and is made by cutting a first end (32) of the belt construction to accommodate a second end 44 of the belt construction (24) without modifying the second end 44 of the belt construction, thereby using a minimum amount of labor.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire for heavy duty use comprises at least one radial carcass ply, a tread portion disposed radially outwardly of the crown region of the carcass plies and a crown reinforcing structure interposed between the tread portion and the crown region of the carcass plies. The crown reinforcing structure includes a belt assembly having at least a first, radially innermost and a second, radially outermost belt ply. The cords reinforcing the belt plies are preferably made of PET or PEN and have a linear density comprised between 2000 and 16000 Denier, a twist comprised between 2 and 7 TPI and a twist multiplier comprised between 3 and 5.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bundling layered material comprises an anvil for receiving multiple units of bundled material, and a plurality of blades for compressing a tying material onto the bundled material. An apparatus of the invention is illustrated for use in a specific method of simultaneously stapling the end wire of a plurality of tire beads.

Abstract: A method for detecting leakage of an expansion vessel 14 that, in an inflated form, occupies or has occupied at least a portion of a cavity 24 of an elastomeric article. The method includes the step of adding a tracer gas to a pressurized fluid. The method is characterized by the step of examining the atmosphere within the cavity of the elastomeric article, not within the expansion vessel, for evidence indicating that a portion of the tracer gas has escaped from the expansion vessel.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire, which may be used as a control tire for calibrating tire testing equipment, comprises a pair of annular beads (40), at least one carcass ply (15) wrapped around the beads, belt reinforcement (13,14,16) disposed over the at least one carcass ply in a crown area of the tire, a tread (12) disposed over the belt reinforcement, and sidewalls (18) disposed between the tread (12) and the beads (40), The tire is made with a tread (12) having no grooves or sipes, and which comprises a radial medium truck tire retreading compound. The belt reinforcement (17,17a,17b ) is laid up in the circumference of the tire with a low angle, i.e. less than 0.75° with respect to the EP of the tire in the second belt (14), and less than 0.5° with respect to the EP of the tire in the first belt (13,16).