Abstract: The thickness of a cut length of a continuously extruded elastomer is controlled by sampling the weight of a section of the continuous extrusion at a running-weigh-scale each second; computing one-minute averages of the running-weigh-scale samples and storing "A" to "n" of the averages where "A" is the newest and "n" is the oldest stored average; sampling the extruder motor power draw each second; computing one-minute averages of the power draw and storing "B" to "m" of the averages where "B" is the newest and "m" is the oldest stored average; comparing the newest to the oldest power draw average to obtain a difference between the two and multiplying the difference by a constant indicative of the type of elastomeric material being processed through the extruder to obtain a power-draw deviation signal; sampling the weight of a cut length of material extrusion at a check-weigh-scale; comparing the check-weigh-scale value to the oldest "n" stored running-weigh-scale one-minute average and to the power draw devia

Abstract: A packaging tray for holding and storing a group of endless belts in a nested configuration is of a molded plastic having a raised land area and a recessed well area, the land area defining the shape of the tray and the shape of the well, which well maintains the belts in their nested orientation when packed for shipping.

Abstract: A hose structure which is useful as a transitional piece for a connection between two elements of different diameters. The hose has a tapered bore with an oppositely tapered sleeve of deformable material outwardly of the sleeve interior to form a substantially cylindrical outer surface over which the remaining portions of the hose structure are applied. If desired, buoyancy material can be included in the hose structure so that the hose will be buoyant and float in water. The method includes applying an elastomeric liner around a tapered mandrel, applying the tapered layer of deformable material to form a cylindrical outer surface, applying at least one reinforcing layer to the cylindrical surface, applying a cover over the reinforcing layer then vulcanizing the structure to form an integral unit.

Abstract: A filler neck for mounting between a fueling port and a fuel tank provides fuel entry into the tank and venting of fuel vapor from the tank while being serviced from a fuel dispensing nozzle having vapor recovery means. The filler neck comprises a reinforced rubber filler hose having a bore diameter sufficient for receiving the nozzle while also providing a vent path for fuel vapor from the tank through a vent hose mounted inside the filler hose bore. The internally vented filler neck is adapted for crash-proof fuel tank assemblies and eliminates multiple connections necessary on externally vented tanks. A mandrel assembly is also disclosed for making the internally vented filler neck.

Abstract: A filler neck for mounting between a fueling port and a fuel tank entry nipple provides a fuel path into the tank and a vapor recovery path from the tank while being serviced from a fuel dispensing nozzle having vapor recovery means. The filler neck comprises a fuel delivery tube having a plurality of ribs on its outside surface and connected into the inside of the tank entry nipple. A sleeve tube is slipped over the fuel delivery tube and is connected at one end to the fueling port and at the other end to the outside of the tank entry nipple. The relationship between the tubes and the tank entry nipple is such that a vapor path exists in the valleys defined by the ribs on the fuel delivery tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for vulcanizing a continuous length of flexible material comprising a closed chamber having material receiving input and exit ports while maintaining vulcanization pressure and temperature within the chamber, and a pair of rolls mounted on parallel spaced-apart horizontal axes within the chamber such that a portion of the material passing into the chamber and carried by the rolls is self-supporting and free of any contact with either roll surface, the surface of at least one of the rolls being contoured such as to position helical convolutions of the material thereon and cause the material to move in a substantially helical path from the entry port to the exit port while it is being vulcanized within the chamber. A drive motor is connected to one of the rolls to effect rotation of the roll and movement of the material through the chamber.

Abstract: A composite laminate of relatively light to medium gauge and a method of making the laminate. The laminate comprises a hot melt type thermoplastic material and a textile woven fabric material formed of spun yarns constructed primarily of staple fibers. The thermoplastic material covers and is bonded to at least one face of the fabric and penetrates into the interstices thereof a maximum of from about 15% to about 75% but does not penetrate a substantial amount into the yarn structure itself thereby permitting an optimum amount of flexibility of the laminate. The laminates of the invention are particularly useful as conveyor belts or slings for vehicle tires.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a hose structure incorporating an embedded ground conductor comprising shortening a loosely braided bundle of fine conductor wire in the axial direction by compressing the bundle between two pairs of friction rollers rotating at different speeds. The wires are spread in a direction transversely of the bundle axis and flattened to form a ribbon type conductor that is laid on an uncured extruded tube, along the tube axis, and covered over with a textile wrapping and an elastomeric extrusion. Open steam curing of the structure results in a hose showing no appearance of an embedded conductor wire.

Abstract: A configuration for a synchronous drive belt and pulley combination wherein each belt tooth has at least part of its fore and aft flank surfaces shaped in cross-section as the arc of a circle the radius of which is centered on the pitch line of the belt a distance W apart. Each tooth-engaging pulley cavity has at least part of its fore and aft surfaces shaped in cross-section as the arc of a circle the radius of which is centered on the pitch circle. The tips of the belt teeth and the bases of the pulley cavities are relatively shaped such that upon engagement of the belt with the pulley compressive stress is exerted from each cavity base through each engaging belt tooth.

Abstract: A vulcanized reinforced elastomeric hose and a method for its production wherein a layer of uncured rubber supported on a mandrel is surrounded by reinforcement filaments and thereafter vulcanized. In the same method of the invention recesses are provided in the surface of the uncured rubber beneath the reinforcement filaments to accommodate expansion of the mandrel and/or expansion of the uncured rubber and/or shrinkage of the filaments and thereby prevent rubber from being exuded above the reinforcement filaments on curing.

Abstract: Both power to and detection signals from a remotely located condition monitoring device are provided via a single wire with return through the vehicle frame. A load switching circuit connected and responsive to the output of the condition monitoring device causes a particular current to be drawn from the line when the device and signal status are normal than when either is not. An indicator circuit connected into the line and responsive to the current drawn by the device and loading circuit provides a failsafe indication to the operator of the monitored condition and/or operational status of the system circuitry.

Abstract: A bridge structure that facilitates drawing and cutting of wrapping stock is formed from a panel embodying the package structure. The bridge is erected in a substantially upright position on the panel and is maintained in its position by a pair of legs in either of its ends that have foot portions engaging the panel through punch-out openings in the panel.

Abstract: Static and/or dynamic surface contact areas created by tire tread patterns are automatically analyzed by obtaining a high contrast black and white photographic image of the contact area made by the tread pattern. The photographic image is illuminated and the luminous energy emitted is optoelectronically converted to an electrical signal indicative of the tread contact area. The electrical signal is compared to an electrical reference signal that is established as a control contact area to provide an indication of the difference between the tread pattern contact area and the reference control contact area.The foregoing abstract is not to be taken as limiting the invention of this application, and in order to understand the full nature and extent of the technical disclosure of this application, reference must be made to the accompanying drawing and the following detailed description.

Abstract: A two part shock or vibration mount which comprises an elastomeric member and a metallic member are automatically assembled into an integral one piece unit by feeding the parts on a conveyor in axial juxtaposed relative position into a compressive force device that is mounted above the conveyor at an angle of declination with respect to the conveyed components such that an increasingly progressive compressive force is applied to the juxtaposed components. Upon exiting the force applying device the components are in a force fit engagement one within the other.

Abstract: The thickness of a cut length of a continuously extruded elastomer is controlled by sampling the weight of a section of the continuous extrusion at a running-weigh-scale each second; computing and storing one-minute averages of the running-weigh-scale samples; sampling the weight of a cut length of the extrusion at a check-weigh-scale; comparing the check-weigh-scale value to the oldest stored running-weigh-scale one-minute average to obtain a targeted average; comparing the targeted running-weigh-scale average to the newest stored running-weigh-scale one-minute average to obtain a deviation from the targeted value if one exists; and converting the deviation from the targeted running-weigh-scale value to a control signal for increasing or decreasing the speed of a take-away belt positioned at the extruder exit orifice to vary the thickness of the extrusion in accordance with the deviation control signal and the speed of the belt.

Abstract: At periodic intervals a timer initiates a short duration pulse from a one-shot that changes the state of a flip-flop functioning to deactivate a status indicator. The one-shot pulse also activates a driver circuit that energizes an inductive test coil positioned within the province of an electromagnetic field generated by a field variation detector. The variance in the field created by the test coil is sensed by the detector receiver which shapes and modifies the response in accordance with the characteristics of the detection circuitry and the duration of the one-shot pulse. The characteristic of the modified pulse waveform is gated back to the flip-flop that switches states to reactivate the status indicator to its original indication. A change in the detector sensitivity and/or performance will effect a modified pulse waveform exhibiting a characteristic different from that required to reset the circuitry and thus an abnormal operation is indicated.

Abstract: An improved vibration damper for use with oscillating bodies and the method of making said damper. The damper includes an inner core member or hub, an outer inertia mass member or inertia ring surrounding and spaced from the hub, and compressible resilient damping means such as a layer of compressible elastomeric material under a limited compression and a retaining means such as a metallic band disposed between the core member and the inertia member. The damping means is chemically adhered to both the retaining means and the core member or the inertia member and the retaining means is fixed in an interference fit to either the outer peripheral surface of the core member or the inner peripheral surface of the inertia member. The damper is particularly useful for mounting on the end of a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: This invention relates to a textile reinforcement for use in the manufacture of rubber or polymer products in which the textile elements running in both lengthwise and generally crosswise directions are not interwoven but held together by a stitching of lightweight construction and bonded by rubber or polymer material. In addition, preferably the principal textile members are ones which include only the normal "producer's" twist rather than the usual twisted cord construction.

Abstract: A plurality of lengths of at least one flattened flexible polymeric tube disposed in superposed relation. Each length in cross section includes enlarged folded edge portions with a flat center portion between the edge portions. Means such as a separator or spacer having substantial thickness is inserted between or within the tube lengths to support the weight of at least a substantial part of the center portion of each length to prevent the formation of edge creases longitudinally along the edges of the tube lengths. The invention is particularly useful in the processing of uncured or unvulcanized rubber tubes either in a stacked or rolled condition.

Abstract: An energy absorber comprises an elastomeric member in a substantially trapezoidal configuration, a piston connected to the apex of the trapezoid, and piston retaining and mounting supports. The elastomer absorbs energy by virtue of its inclined buckling columns forming the sides of the trapezoid while the piston is forced to move in a substantially horizontal plane by the piston retaining and mounting supports. The energy absorber, when applied to vehicle applications, provides a bumper mount that accepts frontal and lateral force impact and lends itself to bumper jacking and towing forces.