Abstract: A radial medium truck (RMT) tire has belt or breaker plies which are reinforced by organic reinforcement cords or filaments. In one embodiment, organic monofilaments are used in the belt or breaker plies which have the following characteristics: at least 2,000 denier (2,200 dTex), a tenacity of at least 3.5 g/denier (31 cN/TeX), an initial modulus of at least 30 g/denier (265 cN/Tex) and a shrinkage of at most 6%.

Abstract: A tire that has a tread base compound and a tread cap compound that have synergistic properties, an extra wide center rib, stiff shoulder lugs, and lateral grooves between shoulder lugs that do not vary significantly in width has a superior combination of rolling resistance properties, traction properties, noise properties, and wear properties. Also the RSAT of the tire can be fine tuned by chamfering edges of lugs in the tire.

Abstract: A method of making silica loaded elastomer masterbatches or compounded productive elastomer stocks with or without the simultaneous extrusion of component profiles is provided. A twin-screw extruder is used to mix the elastomeric stock in multiple mixing zones at controlled temperatures in which a concurrent chemical reaction takes place between the silica coupler, the silica, and/or the diene based elastomer. Silica, elastomer, silica coupler, and other ingredients are fed into the twin screw extruder continuously through precise loss-in-weight or volumetric feeders. Chemical reactions(s) in the elastomer/silica based composition take place within the twin-screw extruder while the composition is mixing. The product is forced through a profile die mounted at the exit of the extruder and formed into the shape of the desired component. The maximum rate of mixing tends to be a function of the heat transfer efficiency, the conveying capacity of the screws, and the mechanical strength of the extruder.

Abstract: When the pressure on a reinforced rubber object is varied, weaker portions of the object expand more than surrounding areas of the object. By (a) illuminating the object with single phase monochromatic light which is separated into more than one beam, (b) causing the object to distort by abrasion or expansion, (c) observing the interference patterns on the object as it distorts and (d) analyzing stress patterns revealed by the interference patterns, these physical changes can be detected, recorded and analyzed.

Abstract: A method for correcting the conicity value in a pneumatic tire based on the average conicity value is used in combination with correcting for lateral force variation, and/or radial run-out variation, and/or radial force variation characteristics of a pneumatic tire by grinding the tread surface. The correcting of the conicity value is accomplished by grinding either the shoulder regions of the tire tread or the central region of the tire tread.

Abstract: A sensor, and a sensor object combination, makes possible the collection of vibratory data from an object while reducing extraneous data and making easier the obtainment of the data. The sensor comprises an elastomeric housing which includes a concave cup portion, and pick-up devices for collecting vibration signals. The concave cup portion comprises a suction cup which makes possible vacuum attachment of the pickup device to the object being tested. The data signal may be amplified, analyzed, and ultimately the data may be analyzed by a computer.

Abstract: A method for analyzing the vibration of a tire uniformity machine having a number of rotating components uses the signals from load cells when the machine idle to output voltage signals that are then amplified and input into a computer as unfiltered, amplified voltage signals. The signals are converted into a power spectrum and selected groups of frequencies and their amplitude are compared with acceptable amplitudes for the frequencies generated by various rotating parts of the machine. When at least one of the amplitudes for different frequencies is greater than at least one of the acceptable amplitudes for the frequencies generating different rotating parts of the machine, the computer outputs an alarm signal.

Abstract: An apparatus which uses a sensing device for measuring gauges of elastomeric or rigid articles, or runout of elastomeric articles, has a pivoting arm which holds a means for creating a signal, and is movable relative to the object being measured. The means for creating a signal provides a signal to the sensing device, and the magnitude of the signal depends on the position of the pivoting arm relative to the object being measured. Movement of the pivoting arm, caused by changes in the dimensions of the object, can be recorded and analyzed.

Abstract: Improved tires designed for use in an improved tire/vehicle system having two pneumatic front tires and two pneumatic rear tires are provided. The improved tire/vehicle system is especially effective on wet road surfaces. The front tire treads are each divided circumferentially into first, second, and third zones. The rear tire treads are divided circumferentially into four zones. Both the front and rear tires have tread groove patterns that are asymmetric and are especially configured for tires having negative camber.

Abstract: A reinforcing fabric comprises reinforcing warp cords and weft cords that melt at a temperature of 200.degree. to 300.degree. F. The weft cords hold the warp cords in position relative to one another when the fabric is being calendered and placed in an elastomeric composite, but melt at the normal curing temperature of an elastomer to form domains of polymer in the cured composite. The reinforcing fabric has particular use as reinforcement in V-belts.

Abstract: Improved tires designed for use in an improved tire/vehicle system having two pneumatic front tires and two pneumatic rear tires are especially effective when utilized on vehicles with a suspension system having limited camber, as in a live axle suspension system. The tires include a support member which is molded to the inboard sidewall of one or more tires in the tire/vehicle system. The inboard sidewall of a tire provides improved lateral stiffness in the tire, for cornering, and functions similar to cambering in tire/vehicle systems where cambering is not possible or where camber adjustment is limited.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire having a block design suited for off-road use, modified to improve rolling resistance and noise properties when used on paved surfaces, has a tread design having angled lateral grooves between the blocks in each circumferential row of blocks in the tread. Narrow grooves separate the blocks in several of the rows of blocks, and tie bars are present in the lateral grooves separating blocks in other rows of blocks. Void areas in the shoulder area of the tire enhance traction in mud and sand.

Abstract: Partially oriented yarns (POY), when processed into short fibers and used as a fiber reinforcement in an elastomer, have been found to demonstrate reduced crack propagation in the elastomer. POY reinforced elastomers can be used in tires to replace cord reinforced components, and for example, can be used in the tread base of a tire, obviating the need for an overlay ply. In one embodiment it has been found that the properties of a fiber reinforced elastomer can be optimized by using a mixture of partially oriented fibers and fibrillated pulp fibers, such as pulped high modulus rigid rod liquid crystalline fibers, as the fiber reinforcement.

Abstract: By mixing a hydrophilic polymer into an elastomer matrix, elastomers loaded with hydrophilic polymer are prepared which have unique properties. In the illustrated method, a hydrophilic polymer is mixed with an elastomer base polymer. In one embodiment, the hydrophilic polymer forms fibers in a resulting elastomeric matrix. A base elastomer matrix interspersed with hydrophilic polymer made according to the invention can be used in reinforced elastomeric products such as tires.

Abstract: A tire 10, having a rim flange support 18, is provided with void areas 24 in the rim flange support 18, to make possible firm attachment of weights 26 to a rim flange 22 when tire 10 is mounted on a rim 20. The wheel (tire/rim) construction makes balancing of the wheel easier and reduces the possibility that a weight 26 will be lost while the tire is being used.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire having a tread with a block design suited for off-road use. The tire has a ground contacting tread portion with circumferentially extending grooves and laterally extending grooves comprising at least a portion of an S-shape, defining circumferentially extending rows of blocks. The blocks comprise a first, second and third portion; the laterally outer, first and third portions, having a trapezoidal shape, are linked together by the second portion, having a height which is lower than the height of said first and third portions. In a preferred embodiment the tread has six rows of blocks spaced by five circumferentially extending straight grooves.

Abstract: The turn-up portion of the carcass ply (12) in the bead portion of a pneumatic tire is interposed between the bead core (11) and a toe guard (18), and extends a substantial distance toward the maximum section width of the tire. The bead core (11) has a radial cross section which is substantially pentagonal. The toe guard (18) comprises a rubber material, a flexible textile material or a heat shrinkable material that protects the toe portion of the tire. Elastomeric stiffening member or chafer (20) may be disposed on each side of the carcass ply (12) in the bead portions and lower sidewalls of the tire. The assembly of a tire according to the invention mounted upon a specified rim (22) is also disclosed.

Abstract: Springy fibers, when used as a fiber reinforcement in an elastomer, have been found to demonstrate reduced crack propagation in the elastomer. Springy fiber reinforced elastomers can be used in tires in various components.

Abstract: A directional high performance pneumatic tire having improved wet traction has an annular aqua channel and lateral grooves which direct water from the footprint to the shoulder area of the tire to help prevent hydroplaning. The aqua channel has an extended U-shape wherein one wall of the aqua channel has a steeper incline than the other side of the aqua channel. At least one side of each aqua channel is defined by lugs of various lengths, and longer lugs of the lugs of various lengths extend into the aqua channels and have an inclined wall. The varying length of the lugs cause the aqua channel to vary in width, and the aqua channel, in the narrower portion varies in width from 7-12% of the tread width, and in the wider portion varies in width from 17% to 22% of the tread width. In a preferred embodiment, the aqua channel may have a step between its shoulder side and its center side wherein the shoulder side is higher by a distance d.

Abstract: A cut resistant pneumatic tire is provided. The tire has a monofilament wire structure embedded in or under its tread or sidewall, and is used in off the road applications such as mining. The monofilament wire has a diameter of 0.4 to 1.2 mm and is made of brass plated steel. The wire may be woven or may have a spring link configuration. Two monofilament wires may be twisted together, and when two such wires are used, the total diameter is 0.8 to 1.4 mm.