Abstract: A pneumatic aircraft tire has carcass plies and/or breaker plies which are reinforced by high modulus reinforcement cords embedded in a rubber composition that contains no free amines and has a 300% modulus of 12-18 MPa and a minimum tensile strength of 23 MPa as tested per ASTM D412, and a T90 of between 30 and 40 minutes at a reference temperature of 135 degrees C. as tested per ASTM D2084. The cords in the carcass plies and/or breaker plies have a tenacity of 6.6 to 8.2 g/denier, an initial modulus of 120 to 280 g/denier, an elongation at break of 8 to 18% and a shrinkage of not greater than 3%. Polyester reinforcement cords are preferred.

Abstract: A radial ply pneumatic tire (10) features a bead core (20) which comprises an arrangement of filaments (26) positioned relative to one another. The bead core (20) has a cross-section and a radially inward base side (44). In the cross section, the base side (44) of the bead core (20) has a width which is substantially linear and is between 50% to 75% of the rim seat width. The bead core base side (44) is inclined at least 15° relative to the bead's axis of rotation, while the bead heel surface has an as molded inclination at the central portion (61) radially inward of the bead base (44) at an angle of at least 10° with respect to the bead's axis. The tire (10) further has a unique toeguard chafer (66) compound that is cut resistant.

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 cutting pic cords of a fabric material comprises a pair of blades, each blade having a cutting portion wherein the cutting portion comprises a cutting edge and a non-cutting edge. The pair of blades are disposed such that a cutting edge of a first blade comes into contact with a cutting edge of a second blade when the blades are pressed together. A wing having a left portion and a right portion are connected to the non-cutting edge of the first blade. The wing has a substantially V or U-shape such that the left portion and the right portion of the wing each take an arcuate path from the connection point of the wing on the non-cutting edge of the blade toward the cutting edge and away from the cutting portion. The flat portions of the wings, i.e., the ends of the wings are disposed so that they are proximal to a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the first blade and contains the cutting edge of the first blade.

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: The method of forming a bead 10 having a trailing end 12 of at least one bead wire 14 being anchored in the bead 10. The method including the steps of (i) securing a leading end of the bead wire 14; (ii) winding the bead wire 14 about a former 42 a plurality of revolutions to form the bead 10 into a desired cross-sectional shape; and (iii) cutting the bead wire 14 after a last revolution 28 about the former 42. The method being characterized by (iv) anchoring the trailing end 12 of the bead wire 14 by driving it into the bead 10. The driving of the trailing end 12 forces the trailing end 12 between at least two previously wound, abutting revolutions of the bead wire 14, at least temporarily separating the respective revolutions.

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.