Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for inspecting an object comprises a first camera for inspecting a first surface of the object, and a second camera for inspecting a second surface of the object. The object may be placed upon a support structure during simultaneous inspection by the first camera and the second camera. At least one roller is arranged to selectively engage the object when the object is placed upon the support structure, wherein the at least one roller is adapted for circumferential rotation relative to the support structure. Rotation of the at least one roller causes a corresponding circumferential rotation of the object relative to the first and second cameras.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for inspecting an object comprises a first camera for inspecting a first surface of the object, and a second camera for inspecting a second surface of the object. The object may be placed upon a support structure during simultaneous inspection by the first camera and the second camera. At least one roller is arranged to selectively engage the object when the object is placed upon the support structure, wherein the at least one roller is adapted for circumferential rotation relative to the support structure. Rotation of the at least one roller causes a corresponding circumferential rotation of the object relative to the first and second cameras.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for inspecting an object comprises a first camera for inspecting a first surface of the object, and a second camera for inspecting a second surface of the object. The object may be placed upon a support structure during simultaneous inspection by the first camera and the second camera. At least one roller is arranged to selectively engage the object when the object is placed upon the support structure, wherein the at least one roller is adapted for circumferential rotation relative to the support structure. Rotation of the at least one roller causes a corresponding circumferential rotation of the object relative to the first and second cameras.

Abstract: A belt forming system may include an upstream conveyor, a downstream conveyor located downstream of the upstream conveyor, and a belt assembly system in communication with the upstream conveyor and the downstream conveyor. The belt assembly system may also include an arm, an actuator for moving the arm, and/or a holding component coupled to the arm and adapted to move a strip section from the upstream conveyor to a desired position on the downstream conveyor such that the strip section is oriented at a predetermined angle on the downstream conveyor. In one embodiment, the belt forming system comprises a belt cutter. The present disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing at least a portion of a tire belt.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for inspecting an object comprises a first camera for inspecting a first surface of the object, and a second camera for inspecting a second surface of the object. The object may be placed upon a support structure during simultaneous inspection by the first camera and the second camera. At least one roller is arranged to selectively engage the object when the object is placed upon the support structure, wherein the at least one roller is adapted for circumferential rotation relative to the support structure. Rotation of the at least one roller causes a corresponding circumferential rotation of the object relative to the first and second cameras.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a transfer system is configured to move a portion of a strip within a belt forming system. The transfer system may comprise a first segment comprising a main body adapted to engage a strip. A plurality of slots may be disposed in a surface of the main body. Fluid communication may be provided from a fluid supply to the plurality of slots, such that the fluid communication with the plurality of slots enables holding the strip against the main body or blowing the strip off the main body. The plurality of slots may be arranged in a series of rows, wherein a first slot in a first row is positioned directly adjacent to a second slot in the first row. First and second strips of different dimensions may be transferred without any mechanical adjustments being made to the main body.

Abstract: A bead-apex assembly system comprising a bead forming system and an apex application system. In one embodiment, a supporting assembly is located at least partially between the bead forming system and the apex application system, and the supporting assembly is adapted to move an annular bead ring from the bead forming system to the apex application system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a belt forming system comprises an upstream conveyor (33), a downstream conveyor (32) located downstream of the upstream conveyor, and a belt assembly system in communication with the upstream conveyor and the downstream conveyor. The belt assembly system comprises an arm (52), an actuator for moving the arm (54), and a holding component (53) coupled to the arm and adapted to move a strip section from the upstream conveyor to a desired position on the downstream conveyor such that the strip section is oriented at a predetermined angle on the downstream conveyor. In one embodiment, the belt forming system comprises a belt cutter (42). The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing at least a portion of a tire belt.

Abstract: A bead-apex assembly system comprising a bead forming system and an apex application system. In one embodiment, a supporting assembly is located at least partially between the bead forming system and the apex application system, and the supporting assembly is adapted to move an annular bead ring from the bead forming system to the apex application system.

Abstract: A system for handling an object comprises a guide plate, a center hub rotatable relative to the guide plate, a plurality of slots disposed in the guide plate, and a plurality of arms each having first and second ends. The first end of each of the plurality of arms is coupled to the center hub, and the second end of each of the plurality of arms is coupled to an associated slot of the plurality of slots. Rotation of the center hub in a first direction causes the second end of each of the plurality of arms to move radially outward within the associated slot in an extended state. An outer surface of a first arm of the plurality of arms may be nested against an inner surface of a second arm of the plurality of arms in a retracted state.

Abstract: A tire belt machine comprises an extruder, a cooling drum, and a cutting station, such that the cooling drum draws a strip from the extruder. The cutting station is adapted to cut the strip into a plurality of plies that are laid adjacent one another to form a splice therebetween. A strip width sensor, a strip tracking system, and a strip temperature sensor are coupled to a central control unit to monitor the characteristics of the strip as it is processed. Based upon the monitored characteristics, the central control unit adjusts the operation of one or more of the components of the tire belt machine to maintain uniform splices between the strips.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a continuous preparation ply of the type used to make vehicle tires from preparation ply sections having nonmetallic cords. An infeed conveyor successively feeds the preparation ply sections to a butt splicing machine that joins the ends of the two preparation ply sections to form a butt joint. A gum strip applier receives the continuous preparation ply from an outfeed conveyor and applies a gum strip over the butt joint. A method is provided for forming a continuous preparation ply by first automatically forming a butt joint, and thereafter automatically placing a gum strip on the butt joint.