Abstract: An inflatable elastomeric inner tube having improved air retention properties. Such an inner tube may find use, for example, in a pneumatic tire of a bicycle, motorcycle, automobile or other vehicle.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments described herein are directed to tire pitch sequence design methodologies that are usable to develop tire tread pitch sequences that will minimize objectionable tonal qualities and disperse the acoustic energy produced during tire rotation across a wider frequency band. The exemplary design methodologies employ iterative randomization of pitch subsequences, waveform generation and analysis of pitch subsequences and full pitch sequences, and associated sorting and ranking using an objective function with an applied penalty factor.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments described herein are directed to tire pitch sequence design methodologies that are usable to develop tire tread pitch sequences that will minimize objectionable tonal qualities and disperse the acoustic energy produced during tire rotation across a wider frequency band. The exemplary design methodologies employ iterative randomization of pitch subsequences, waveform generation and analysis of pitch subsequences and full pitch sequences, and associated sorting and ranking using an objective function with an applied penalty factor.

Abstract: A NPT tread layer mold and molding process. The mold may include an inner mold portion that supports a built-up green NPT tread layer, and an outer mold portion that cooperates with the inner mold portion to cure the tread layer and to form a tread pattern in an outer surface thereof. The inner mold portion may comprise two halves, each having a plurality of wall segments that collectively cooperate to form a tread layer inner surface molding wall when the inner mold is closed. Sidewall molding portions may also be provided to form limited sidewalls of the NPT tread layer—with or without a tread pattern. An inflatable bladder may be located within the inner mold portion to apply pressure to the tread layer inner surface molding wall and, resultantly, to the NPT tread layer, during molding.