Patents Assigned to Michelin Recherche et Techniques S.A.
  • Patent number: 9174493
    Abstract: Tire tread having at least two wearing layers, provided with at least one continuous groove having in the as new condition a plurality of external cavities opening onto the tread surface and a plurality of internal cavities placed radially and completely inside the tread surface, such that: the difference between the mean lengths of the internal cavities and of the external cavities is at most equal to 20% of the longest mean length, the difference in the mean cross-sectional areas of the internal and external cavities is at most equal to 20% of the largest mean area, each external cavity of a continuous groove being connected to at least two internal cavities of the same groove and having a plurality of incisions opening onto the tread surface, each connecting two consecutive external cavities of the same groove and at least two connecting channels and at least one internal cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventors: Richard Audigier, Stéphane Oraison, Mathieu Vandaele, Gilles Douet
  • Patent number: 9175124
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an elastomer mixture resulting from the modification of a diene elastomer by a coupling agent that introduces, into the elastomer chain, an alkoxysilane group bearing a tertiary or secondary amine functional group. This mixture predominantly comprises the diene elastomer coupled by the alkoxysilane group bearing a tertiary or secondary amine functional group which is bonded to the diene elastomer through the silicon atom. The invention also relates to a reinforced rubber composition, in particular that can be used for the manufacture of tires, which comprises a reinforcing filler and an elastomer matrix comprising at least this elastomer mixture, and to its preparation process. This composition has improved hysteresis and mechanical properties in the vulcanized state, and also improved processing in the uncured state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventors: Philippe Chaboche, Jean-Michel Favrot, Nicolas Seeboth, Fanny Barbotin, Stéphanie De Landtsheer
  • Patent number: 9174490
    Abstract: A tire comprising a crown reinforcement formed from at least two working crown layers and from at least one layer of circumferential reinforcing elements positioned radially between two working crown layers, the working crown layers adjacent to the layer of circumferential reinforcing elements being on each side of the equatorial plane and in the axial continuation of the layer of circumferential reinforcing elements coupled over an axial width, in order thereafter to be decoupled. A first additional layer of polymer blend having a width at least equal to the width 1 of the coupling zone and having a maximum thickness of less than two times the thickness of the layer of circumferential reinforcing elements is positioned radially under the working crown layer radially adjacent to and inside the layer of circumferential reinforcing elements and is at least partially radially superposed on the coupling zone of the working crown layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignees: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A., COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Philippe Johnson, Alain Domingo
  • Patent number: 9175154
    Abstract: A tire, the tread of which comprises a rubber composition comprising at least a diene elastomer, such as for example, an SBR or BR elastomer, a thermoplastic elastomer vulcanizate of EPDM and polypropylene, at a content preferably of greater than 5 phr, and a reinforcing filler, such as silica and/or carbon black. Such a composition confers, on the tire, an improvement in the wet grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: Béatrice Lopez
  • Patent number: 9177183
    Abstract: An electronic device with data stored therein is integrated into a tire. The data is stored in a memory of the electronic device. The memory includes a data storage zone with a field reserved for a serial number of the tire, which is stored in bit form. When the data stored in the field reserved for the serial number of the tire is read, at least a part of the read data is decoded into at least one letter so as to determine the serial number of the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventor: Thierry Penot
  • Patent number: 9174496
    Abstract: Tire tread comprising a tread surface intended to come into contact with a roadway, this tread comprising at least one sipe extending in a main direction D and of mean width E, this sipe comprising in the main direction D at least one part sipe of shallow depth HF and at least one part sipe of great depth HG, the depth HF being less than the depth HG, each part sipe of shallow depth and each part sipe of great depth comprising an end region, this tread further comprising at least one insert oriented in a direction different from the main direction D of the sipe, this insert being positioned wholly within the thickness of the tread so as to be situated radially on the inside of a part sipe of shallow depth HF, this tread being such that at least the part sipe of shallow depth HF situated radially on the outside of the insert is provided, at its end region, with a widening forming a channel of maximum width W, this maximum width W being greater than the mean width E of the sipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ESTABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE, S.A.
    Inventors: Patrick Dayet, Jacky Pineau, Richard Abinal, Bernard Villeneuve
  • Publication number: 20150306915
    Abstract: A snow tire tread having a plurality of blocks separated by grooves and provided with sipe incisions dividing into several parts from a certain depth onwards, (complex sipes each having, when viewed in cross section, a rectilinear first part extending radially from the tread surface of the tread, and a second part extending the first part and comprising at least two branches each having an end. The tread has cavities each extending between the branches of a complex sipe and having a bottom situated at the same level as the ends of the branches. The cavities and the grooves of the tread are configured so that this tread has a voids surface ratio at the end of wear greater than or equal to 35%. Furthermore, the distance (D) between two branches of two adjacent complex sipes is at least equal to 2 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicants: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE, S.A., COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Vincent LEDIEU, Bertrand FRAENKEL, Illyes BATNINI, Marie-Helene VANTAL
  • Publication number: 20150307756
    Abstract: Process for the manufacture of a self-sealing elastomer composition comprising at least one diene elastomer, one hydrocarbon resin with a given softening temperature and one liquid plasticizing agent, characterized in that it comprises the following successive stages: (a) incorporating the hydrocarbon resin in the diene elastomer by kneading these components in a mixer at a temperature or up to a temperature referred to as “hot compounding” temperature greater than the softening temperature of the hydrocarbon resin, in order to obtain a masterbatch; (b) incorporating the liquid plasticizing agent in the masterbatch by kneading the combined mixture in the same mixer or in a different mixer, in order to obtain the self-sealing composition; and (c) forming the said self-sealing composition dimensionally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicants: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A., COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Jose MERINO LOPEZ, Frédéric PIALOT, Damien FOMBELLE, Gérard BOR
  • Patent number: 9168793
    Abstract: A tire with improved resistance to sidewall damage such as splitting or puncture is provided. More particularly, the present invention provides a tire with tread features positioned along the sidewall in a manner that improves the protection of the sidewall against damage when contacting obstacles during operation of the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignees: MICHELIN RECHERCHE et TECHNIQUE S.A., COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Fang Zhu, Drew R. Howlett, Craig Jurs
  • Patent number: 9168790
    Abstract: A motorized two-wheeled vehicle, comprising a radial carcass reinforcement formed of at least two layers of reinforcing elements, and comprising underneath the tread a crown reinforcement structure comprising of at least one layer of reinforcing elements. At least the tread surface comprises a first polymeric compound extending in at least the region of the equatorial plane and at least one second polymeric compound having physicochemical properties different from those of said first polymeric compound, the density of reinforcing elements in the radially inner carcass reinforcement layer being less than that in the radially outer carcass reinforcement layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignees: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A., COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Ruffenach, Alain Valle, Luc Bestgen, Pascal Prost
  • Patent number: 9169004
    Abstract: A motorizing system is provided for powering a wheel associated with a suspension of an aircraft, so that the aircraft can be moved around on ground. The motorized system includes a motor unit, a drive member that is structured to be secured to the wheel, and a clutch device that connects an output shaft of the motor unit to the drive member. The motor unit is structured to be secured to a sprung part of a suspension strut. A positive transmission occurs between the motor unit and the drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignees: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A., COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Olivier Essinger, Cesare Stacchi
  • Publication number: 20150298409
    Abstract: Device for cutting and transferring a length of strip let off a continuous strip, comprising a first face and a second face to be laid on a rotary receiving surface and containing a cutting means to separate the said length from the continuous strip along a cutting line, a telescopic conveyor belt, arranged in a longitudinal direction between the cutting means and the receiving surface, to receive the length of strip via the first face, a first half-anvil, upstream of the cutting line, and comprising holding means to grasp the strip via the first face, a transporter, having holding means to grasp the front edge or rear edge of the length of strip via the second face, the transporter able to move in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicants: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE, S.A., COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Michel DEBOEUF, Jr., Thierry DUCROS, Stephane RAVAT, Mickael ROUBY
  • Publication number: 20150298332
    Abstract: Machine for breaking a part of a tire down into pieces, comprising, in combination: a frame; support means for supporting said part of the tire; means for supplying said part of the tire, said means being configured to feed said part to a cutting station; cutting means, disposed at said cutting station, for cutting said part so as to break it down into pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicants: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE, S.A., COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Michel BLONDELET, Alberto MATTAROZZI, Andre PALLOTTA, Patrick RENE
  • Publication number: 20150298507
    Abstract: A tread having a plurality of grooves formed on each half of the tread on each side of a midplane X-X?, each opening axially to the outside and extending axially towards the midplane X-X? so that the plurality of grooves forms a first pattern in the overall shape of a V pointing in a groove direction Xr. The tread includes a plurality of sipes. From a certain degree of wear onwards, all or some of the sipes become enlarged forming cavities extending in an oblique direction forming a second pattern in the overall shape of a V pointing in a cavity direction Xc. Each of these cavities opens into just one of the grooves of the tread, the plurality of grooves forming, at this level of wear, the same first pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicants: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE, S.A., COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Vincent LEDIEU, Bertrand FRAENKEL, Illyes BATNINI, Marie-Helene VANTAL
  • Publication number: 20150299367
    Abstract: A process for the radical grafting of a graft to a diene elastomer, comprising the following stages: a. dissolving, with stirring, at least one diene elastomer and at least one thiol derivative as graft in a solvent comprising a mixture of at least one polar solvent and at least one nonpolar solvent, b. heating the homogeneous reaction mixture obtained in the preceding stage to the temperature of the grafting reaction, and c. once the temperature of the grafting reaction has been reached, adding the radical initiator in order to bring about the grafting of the graft to the units of the elastomer comprising unsaturations. This radical grafting process makes it possible to achieve high grafting yields which can reach 100%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicants: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE, S.A., COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Rachid MATMOUR, Robert NGO, Nicolas SEEBOTH
  • Publication number: 20150298411
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods for supporting a recessed void during retreading operations. Such methods include the steps of providing a tread having a top side and a bottom side, the tread including a recessed void recessed below the top side of the tread. Such methods also include the step of arranging the tread around an outer circumference of the tire carcass in a desired position to form an assembled retreaded tire. Such methods further include the step of arranging a removable circumferential band around the assembled retreaded tire positioned over top the recessed void and the top side of the tread. Such methods further include the steps of placing a curing membrane around at least a portion of the tire and the circumferential band and curing the retreaded tire with the circumferential band contained within the curing membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicants: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A., COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Chinglin PAN, Ronald CRESS, Michael D. PETROVICH
  • Patent number: 9162533
    Abstract: Directional tire tread having a rolling surface, this tread being provided with a plurality of incisions bounded by mutually opposing walls, each of said walls entering the rolling surface in such a way as to form an edge called the leading edge of an element of material, corresponding to the edge that enters the contact patch first, and an edge called the trailing edge of the same element of material, corresponding to the edge that enters the contact patch after the leading edge, each incision comprising at least one segment bounded by mutually opposing walls that make, with a direction perpendicular to the rolling surface passing through the intersection of the incision with the rolling surface, a negative average angle ? whose absolute value is less than 55°, this tread being characterized in that this segment of negative angle ? exits the rolling surface via an enlarged end portion bounded by mutually opposing first and second faces, the angles of the first face and second face being positive and not equa
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Eric Berger, Sébastien Fugier, Mattieu Bonnamour, Claude Audebert
  • Patent number: 9162537
    Abstract: Technique for improving the endurance of beads of a radial tire for a heavy vehicle of the civil engineering type, by blocking the cracks that are initiated in the carcass reinforcement upturn end zone and that are propagated in the surrounding polymer materials, causing the deterioration of the bead over time. A binding element (23), having at least two layers of binding including reinforcement elements made of textile material, is in continuous contact with the carcass reinforcement upturn (211) between a first point of contact (A2) on the axially inner face (211a) of carcass reinforcement upturn, corresponding to a first end (I2) of the binding element, and a last point of contact (B2) on the axially outer face (211b) of the carcass reinforcement upturn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: Lucien Bondu
  • Publication number: 20150290891
    Abstract: A tread for bonding to a tire carcass to form a retreaded tire having a length, a width, a top side and a bottom side. The tread also includes a central portion and a pair of wing portions extending laterally from the central portions. The top sides of each wing portion include one or more discontinuities having a longitudinal component and configured to resist deflection when subjected to a force from the bottom side and to deflect downwardly when subjected to a force from the top side. In particular embodiments, the one or more discontinuities are arranged within each wing portion are arranged within a thickened portion of each wing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Applicants: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A., COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Dimitri TSIHLAS, E. Bruce COLBY, Cesar E. ZARAK, Michael WIDMYER
  • Publication number: 20150290976
    Abstract: The device for producing a tire component by winding, comprises: a helicoidal external wall, and means for adjusting a diameter of the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Applicants: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE, S.A.
    Inventors: Arnaud LETOCART, Gérard CROSNIER, Christophe OUGIER