Abstract: A method for building a run flat pneumatic tire by precoating a thin high strength annular band of material with a layer of rubber to form a rubber/band composite. The rubber coated band composite is at least partially cured and then assembled between a body ply carcass and a tread package in a usual second stage tire building machine. The band can be encased completely with the rubber or the rubber can be applied only to the outside surface, the inside surface or the end edges of the band or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A monitoring assembly for a pneumatic tire includes an electronic monitoring device having at least one sensor disposed in a protective body. The monitoring assembly is configured to float on a variety of liquids that are typically disposed within a tire. The protective body is liquid-tight and includes an encapsulation layer that encapsulates the substrate and sensors, a cushion, and a skin on the outside of the cushion. The protective body is substantially spherical allowing the assembly to roll about the inside of a tire without being permanently connected to the tire. The monitoring assembly is simply placed in a tire before the tire is mounted on a vehicle rim and allowed to move about loosely in the tire chamber when the tire is in use.

Abstract: A unistage drum (1) for building tires (2) , the drum (1) having two half-drums (13), each of which has a ring of sectors (43a) movable by a first actuator (37, 46) to and from an expanded position to clamp a respective bead (7); each sector (43a) being defined by a first and a second block (49, 50) defined externally by respective cylindrical surfaces (55a, 55) and having respective mutually-contacting inclined surfaces (52, 53); and the second block (50) sliding on the first (49), by virtue of a second actuator (33, 37), to and from an outer position in which the second block (50) defines a relative portion of an annular shoulder (56) located, in use, between the two beads (7) and in a position adjacent to one of the beads (7).

Abstract: A fluid device such as an air spring includes a pair of parallel spaced end members and an elastomeric sleeve interposed therebetween to define a fluid pressure chamber therein. A girdle hoop is formed of cold rolled solid steel in a toroidal configuration and is molded into the elastomeric sleeve parallel and preferably spaced equidistant from the end plates.

Abstract: A vibration damping system for absorbing shock loads includes a hydraulic damper containing a piston slidably reciprocating within an oil filled chamber and dividing the chamber into a pair of subchambers. A hydraulic motor is in fluid communication with and located between the subchambers and is controlled by a field responsive fluid, such as an electrorheological (ER) actuated device. The hydraulic motor transforms fluid motion into rotating motion by a pair of meshing gears. The ER device is a flow cell and is connected to a shaft of one or both of the meshing gears. The magnitude of an electric field applied to the ER fluid controls the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid passing through the hydraulic motor by controlling the resistive force to the rotary motion of the gears. A plurality of check valves controls the direction of flow of the hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic motor and the subchambers.

Abstract: A supportive tire rack for green tire transfer and storage includes a base assembly that carries at least four support pins that are horizontally cantilevered from the base. A pair of upper support plates and a pair of lower support plates are carried by the pins. The upper support plates engage the bead rings of the tire while the lower support plates cradle the lower surface of the tire. Each support plate is pivotally carried on an arm that is pivotally carried on a pin. Each arm is also in the form of a damper that dampens oscillatory forces in the tire. The arms and plates are biased toward resting positions by springs.

Abstract: A run flat pneumatic tire includes a thin annular monolithic band embedded in the crown portion of the tire wherein the band has a helical cut extending between opposite band edges. The cut has an arcuate length between 45° and 360° and provides a circumferentially expandable band which enhances molding of the tire by enabling the band to expand during molding to minimize porosity and reduce entrapment of air between the band and tread rubber. Alternately, a pair of helically cut bands are joined by an intervening band of rubber and a reinforcing layer of reinforcing cords in a rubber skim may extend about the outer surface of the expandable band or bands.

Abstract: A vibration damping device is mounted between two spaced portions of a vehicle for absorbing road forces exerted on the vehicle. A cylindrical housing forms an internal piston chamber and is connected at one end to one portion of the vehicle, with an outer end of the rod of a piston which is slidably mounted within the piston chamber, being connected to another portion of the vehicle. A fluid transfer duct is formed between the housing and piston and provides communication between fluid subchambers formed on opposite sides of the piston within the piston chamber. An electrode is attached to either the housing or piston for applying a voltage across the duct to affect the rheological response of an electrorheological (ER) fluid flowing therethrough to provide a controllable mechanism to modify the damping force characteristics of the device. Each end of the piston rod is slidably supported by a slide bushing assembly which is mounted within an end of the housing.