Abstract: A feed device (11) for a continuous mixer (12) for rubber and plastics materials. The feed device comprises a hopper (14) having a reciprocable plunger (16) located in the hopper to force material into the inlet passageway (15) of the continuous mixer. The plunger (16) is rotatable during its retraction and has an archimedian screw portion (17) that feeds material into the inlet (15) during the retraction movement of the plunger.

Abstract: In the feeding of sheet material to a machine such as a tire building former a sheet is first placed on a table and one edge of the sheet is aligned with a first datum line, preferably by tilting the table and supplying floatation air under the sheet. The sheet is then picked up and moved transversely through a predetermined distance by a gripping device to align one edge with a second datum line so as to enable the sheet to be fed in appropriate alignment to a machine.

Abstract: This invention concerns the manufacture of a layer of elastomeric material to form part of a pneumatic tire, and the manufacture of a reinforced elastomeric layer.According to the invention a layer of elastomeric material is formed as a progressive helical winding along a mandrel. The layer may be transferred in cylindrical form to a tire carcass building former to constitute an inner lining for a tire carcass, or a reinforcement filament may be wound over the layer producing a cylindrical reinforced layer which is cut to produce a ply of coated fabric.

Abstract: In the feeding of a strip of tire building material to a former, it is desirable to achieve a butt-joint between the ends of the strip when it has been wrapped fully around the circumference of the former (which may already have some material which has been wrapped around its surface in a previous operation). As the strip is fed to the former, its length is measured and the diameter of the former is adjusted if necessary to match the circumference of the former (and any existing material thereon) to the length of the strip.

Abstract: Tire building apparatus in which a former is mounted on a first rotatable turret, and a component carrier of tubular form is mounted on a second rotatable turret adjacent the first turret. The former and the component carrier are arranged to be relatively movable at a turret station to enable the former to be surrounded by the component carrier so as to permit transfer of a tire building component between the former and the component carrier.

Abstract: In the feeding of sheet material to a machine such as a tire building former a sheet is first placed on a table and one edge of the sheet is aligned with a first datum line, preferably by tilting the table and supplying floatation air under the sheet. The sheet is then picked up and moved transversely through a predetermined distance by a gripping device to align the edge with a second datum line so as to enable the sheet to be fed in appropriate alignment to a machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use at the stage of a radial tire building process at which a tread and breaker, and sidewall rubbers, are added to the expanded carcass. A tread assembly is built, comprising tread rubber breaker and sidewall rubbers and is then located around the carcass which is then expanded into the tread assembly. A tread assembly former has a central portion expansible to bring side portions to a frusto-conical shape.

Abstract: A jig for transporting a green tire carcass in a horizontal position without causing any distortion comprising a lower bead support, a concentric tire shoulder support and a set of fingers for supporting the upper bead of the carcass.The fingers are spring biassed towards a position in engagement with the upper bead, but may be moved radially inwards while a tire carcass is either placed on or removed from the jig.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for blending particulate materials in which a plurality of blending chambers receive, by a series of installments, pre-mixed ingredients so as to ensure that each blending chamber contains an average sample. The blending chambers are then discharged in sequence to provide an output as a series of sub-batches which each comprise the predetermined proportions of ingredients.

Abstract: A tire breaker comprising at least two breaker plies is assembled on a carrier ring which is movable between ply fitting stations.The ring is mounted on an arm which swings the ring through 90.degree. to each fitting station where the ply is supported on a table. Each end of the ply is then moved from the table on to the ring by means of grippers, and rollers then traverse the ring to ensure that the ply is positioned accurately. The joints formed in successive plies are diametrically opposed to one another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in the manufacture of pneumatic tires, in which a pair of tire bead assemblies are held in accurately spaced relationship against opposite ends of a tube. Tire carcass material carried on an expansible former is located within the tube and expanded to engage the bead assemblies, projecting ends of the carcass material being turned radially outwardly around the bead assemblies while the bead assemblies are supported by the tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing tire breaker fabric comprising a cord feed unit, guide means for guiding a single cord between two sets of retaining means attached one to either edge of an endless belt to form an elongate sheet of parallel closely spaced cords laid in zig-zag fashion such that the edges of the sheet are formed by a series of folded cord edges which are held by the retaining means. Stepwise drive means advances the belt and cord assembly to elastomer applying means for applying elastomer to one surface of the cord assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for and method of manufacturing tire breaker fabric comprising an elongated sheet of parallel closely spaced cords formed from a single cord laid in zig-zag fashion such that the edges of the sheet are formed by a series of folded cord edges. The apparatus comprises a cord laying head for laying a single cord in zig-zag fashion between a pair of spaced-apart edge forming units each comprising a holding pin engageable with a folded cord edge and a pincher head engageable around the pin to crimp the folded cord edge. A collector and holding unit collects the zig-zag cord assembly so formed and is operable to feed each traverse of cord in sequence to a device for applying elastomer to the cord assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacture for making tire breaker cord fabric comprising a tire cord laying head to lay a zig-zag assembly of a single cord, edge loop holding units and drive means for relatively moving the cord assembly to an elastomeric material coating device.

Abstract: Tire breaker fabric for a pneumatic tire comprising a sheet of tire cords wherein the cords comprise a twisted package of high modulus material filaments having a twist angle of not more than 18.degree. and the cords are formed by one single continuous cord which extends back and forth across the sheet in a zig-zag formation. The cords are preferably closely spaced and held in the sheet by a thin sheet of elastomeric material. The invention provides in addition a tire including breaker fabric of this type.