Abstract: A detection device detects a thickness anomoly region within a strip of stock and includes a first roller operatively rotating as the strip of stock passes over a first roller surface; a pivotally mounted pinch roller positioned to operatively pivot about a pivot axis against the strip of stock passing over the first roller; a photoeye mask positioned to rotate about the pivot axis responsive to pivotal movement of the pinch roller; a photoeye slot within the photoeye mask extending between a slot leading end and a slot trailing end; and the transmitting and receiving optical devices positioned on opposite sides of the photoeye slot of the photoeye mask and operative in an photoeye mask-aligned position to project a centered through-beam through the photoeye slot between the transmitting and receiving optical devices.

Abstract: An air passageway body resides within a tire body and extends between an outward facing tire body surface and the tire cavity, the air passageway body having an enclosed air passageway extending between a hollow body outlet end facing the tire cavity and a hollow inlet end facing outward from the outward facing tire body surface. A tapping device is affixed over one or both of the ends of the air passageway body, the tapping device having an external vent opening and a protrusion member penetrating through a sidewall of the air passageway body to operatively establish an air flow path extending between the air passageway of the air passageway body through the protrusion member and the tapping device vent opening. The air passageway body is installed pre-cure within a green tire carcass build of the tire body and the tapping device(s) are attached post-cure to the air passageway body.

Abstract: A tire is configured having first and second shoulder rows of shoulder tread elements opposite respective first and second interior rows of interior tread elements, separated respectively by circumferentially extending, zig-zag shaped first and second grooves within a tire tread region. Each groove is defined by opposed shoulder tread elements and interior tread elements and includes a circumferentially continuous see-through central groove portion extending parallel to a circumferential centerplane of the tread. The see-through circumferential grooves communicate with angular intermediate and shoulder lateral grooves having a relatively wide mouth dimension adjacent to a respective circumferential grooves. Staggered in and out shoulder regions within the shoulder tread elements facilitate gripping edges and prevent mud clogging of the shoulder grooves.