Abstract: An apparatus and method of setting a bead ring against the plies of a tire carcass on the shoulder of a building drum includes a carrier member with a retractable bead support flange. As the carrier member pushes the bead firmly against the carcass plies, the bead support flange is also pushed against the carcass plies, and the flange partly retracts under the pressure. Then, a fluid operated piston drives the support flange further away from the carcass plies, leaving the bead ring almost unsupported, but pressed firmly against the carcass plies on the building drum. The carrier member then retracts away from the building drum, leaving the bead ring in place on the building drum shoulder and ready to have the carcass ply end portions wrapped around it.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension bushing that is constructed of an inner metal member, an outer metal member, and an elastomeric member inserted between the metal members has an improved construction that increases the bushing's axial rate, or resistance to axial deflection, and decreases its radial rate, or resistance to radial deflection. The main features of the improvement are circumferentially extending slots in the outer surface of the elastomeric member, located adjacent each end of the member, and inwardly extending flanges on the ends of the outer member that fit into the slots in the elastomeric member.

Abstract: A composition useful as a catalyst in solution polymerization comprises (1) a barium, calcium and/or strontium alcoholate, (2) an organoaluminum compound and (3) an organomagnesium compound. (2) and (3) may be used as a complex with (1). The compositions can be used to polymerize ethylenically unsaturated monomers like butadiene, butadiene and styrene, and isoprene and heterocyclic monomers like oxiranes, thiiranes, siloxanes, thiatanes and lactams. The catalyst composition can produce polybutadienes and butadiene-styrene copolymers having a trans-1,4 content as high as 90%. The non-terminating features of the polymerization of this invention permit the preparation of functionally terminated butadiene based polymers and block polymers containing sufficient amounts of trans-1,4 butadiene units to crystallize.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for making a metal annular member of precise tolerances and desired surface finish. An external die has a continuous die surface of the configuration desired for the external surface of the metal annular member and an annular ridge surrounding the inside of the die for seating one end of an annular sheet metal blank. A first punch engages the sheet metal blank and drives it into the external die so as to reduce the external diameter of the blank and seat it against the ridge. The precise tolerance of the die surface of the external die determines both the external and at least a portion of the internal dimensions produced in the annular sheet metal blank. The first punch is axially movable to an endmost position wherein substantially all of the blank has been forced into the die. An ejector punch is positioned inside of the external die and operates to provide a portion of the forming die surfaces as well as to eject the completed workpiece.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire assembly is capable of supporting a vehicle wheel rolling for a limited distance when the air in the assembly has escaped. The tire of the assembly is prevented from going completely flat by an annular insert, preferably of a high modulus elastomeric material, that is placed inside the tire and fits over the wheel rim and between the beads of the tire. The annular insert is of a novel construction that is lightweight and flexible enough to be stretched over a conventional rim, yet is able to support the load normally borne by the inflated tire and also resists unseating of the beads.

Abstract: A structural flange such as that which surrounds an automobile door is covered by a channel-shaped strip that needs no metal carrier to hold it in place on the flange. The channel-shaped strip may serve decorative, protective, or sealing functions, and may be made of either cellular or noncellular rubber, or plastic, or part of the strip may be made of cellular rubber and part of noncellular rubber or plastic. The structural flange has tabs protruding laterally from each of its sides, and the channel-shaped strip has structure that locks the strip in place over these tabs.

Abstract: An expandable tire building drum has an improved bladder for expanding and contracting the drum segments. Instead of being a closed torus with a radially inwardly extending inflation stem, the bladder is completely open on its radially inward side and has beads that are clamped in an airtight seal to the bladder support. The bladder in its deflated condition rests in three folded layers within its storage cavity in the drum. This bladder construction allows a bladder having a relatively large surface area to be stored in a relatively small cavity. The space in the cavity for storing such bladders is often limited, particularly in drums for building radial passenger car tires. Putting a larger bladder in this cavity than allowed by prior constructions results in a greater surface contact between the bladder and the drum segments when the bladder is inflated.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a fiberglass reinforced plastic part a chopped glass fiber reinforced, thermosetting resin is placed in a mold cavity. A continuous filament fiberglass cylinder impregnated with the same resin used in the above formulation without chopped fiberglass is placed in the stud support areas of the mold. The mold is then closed and the resin subjected to heat and pressure to cause it to completely fill the mold cavity and cure. The cured part has woven fiberglass reinforcements in the stud support areas.

Abstract: Blends of low molecular weight crystalline polyethylene and crystalline EPDM polymers exhibit good processing and on curing show unexpected high flexural modulus. The addition of reinforcing agents will raise the modulus and other physical properties but the processability can remain satisfactory.

Abstract: A resilient bushing with long fatigue life comprises an outer rigid member having curvilinear inner surface portions and inner rigid member having curvilinear outer surface portions. At least one of said surface portions has a surface roughness height rating measured by SAE Standard J448a. Said surface roughness height rating is provided by sandblasting said surface portions of a metal member, and thereafter forming on said surface portions a phosphate coating. An elastomeric insert is compressively positioned between said inner surface portions of the outer member and said outer surface portions of the inner member.