Abstract: A thin, membrane-like cylindrical rubber tire curing bladder is provided with reinforcing cords wound in parallel spiral paths at any composite angle to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. When installed on the centerpost mechanism of a tire curing press and inflated in the curing process, the bladder length increases due to partial and reversible straightening of the spirally wound cord reinforcement. This permits optimum fit of the bladder in the tire being cured with uniform controlled growth of the membrane. Longer service life of the bladder is thereby achieved. The bladder is a good heat conductor inherent to its thin matrix, unlike previously known curing bladders.

Abstract: A tire body reinforcing component is provided for underlying the tread and at least the sidewall regions of a pneumatic tire. The component comprises at least one continuous cord disposed across the width of said component from one edge to the other thereof. The component forms at least one tread section for underlying the tread region and extending along the circumferential direction of the tire wherein said continuous cord is disposed in a generally zig-zag pattern and is positioned across the width of said tread section at an angle to the edges of said component. The lengths of said cord in said tread section are interleaved with lengths disposed at an opposite angle to the edge of said component along at least one line substantially parallel to and intermediate the edges of said component. Also provided is a method for producing the tire body reinforcing component.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to simplify the production of woven, endless tire reinforcing belts by enabling rapid, economical changes in belt size and simplified removal of the belts from the weaving apparatus.The invention provides a method and apparatus for forming reinforcing belts which meet this objective by employing an endless weaving surface comprised of a flexible belt supported by means rotatable about spaced, parallel axes. By moving the supports apart, the weaving surface is tensioned for the weaving operation; and, by moving the supports toward one another, the weaving surface is relaxed to permit removal of the woven reinforcing belt. The circumference of successive reinforcing belts can easily be changed by changing the flexible belt comprising the weaving surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for continuously coating aligned cords having knots or other enlarged irregularities therein. A cord-alignment baffle means of novel construction located at the cord entrance of an extrusion coating die assembly enables passage of splices such as knots. The baffle means comprises a plurality of cord-alignment apertures, each of which comprises a guide position and an enlarged knot-passing position. During operation of the coating process, cords are maintained in alignment as they pass through the die, and intermittent knots pass through the enlarged knot-passing positions of the alignment apertures. A bleed means controls the pressure within the extrusion chamber to prevent undesirable backflow through the enlarged knot-passing positions of the alignment apertures.

Abstract: The specification discloses an apparatus (10) for handling and spraying a fluid on a tire (12) in which a plurality of arms (32, 33, 34 and 35) rotate about a center axis with a head (46, 48, 118 and 176) mounted on the distal end of each arm. A tire grasping finger set (56) is mounted on each head. The finger set (56) is operable to grasp a tire, move it in a circular path into a spray station, spin the tire while spraying the interior and exterior thereof, move the tire to an idle station, move the tire to a discharge station and then discharge the tire onto a conveyor table (114). A rotary indexer (32) is used to rotate the radial arms (32, 33, 34 and 35) with the indexer causing the arms to pause at 90 degree intervals. When the rotary indexer causes a pause, a clutch is disengaged to disengage the drive of an electric motor (26) from the rotary indexer, and a brake is applied to hold the position of the arms fixed for a time interval.