Patents Examined by Thomas Bokan
  • Patent number: 4883107
    Abstract: A dual valve assembly with calibrated or adjustable spring loading that may be attached to a valve stem on a tire to allow slightly over pressuring the tire with air and which then automatically adjusts the pressure in the tire to match a spring loading calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Inventor: Kenneth B. Keys
  • Patent number: 4877468
    Abstract: A hot tire forming method whereby at least some of the elements constituting each tire are formed starting from respective masterbatches, which are mixed with given chemical compounds inside respective continuous mixers to obtain respective final mixes, which are hot-fed to respective continuous production means, such as extruders, for obtaining semifinished products, which are hot-fed onto a green tire building drum, with the completed green tire then being transferred, hot, to a curing department; the transfer from the continuous mixers to the curing department being performed in such a manner as to preserve, inside each green tire entering the curing department, at least part of the initial mixing thermal energy and at least part of the initial continuous production thermal energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: Karl J. Siegenthaler
  • Patent number: 4869306
    Abstract: An air inlet and automatic pressure adjustment assembly comprising a smaller closed ended inner cylinder with a partially common wall with a larger outer cylinder with there being a vent hole in the common cylinder wall and an adjustable spring loaded to close vent valve in the inner cylinder so that excess air pressure opens this valve to vent air from the tire to the outside. The layer outer cylinder contains a normal air inlet valve that will be held closed by inlet air pressure of the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Inventor: Kenneth B. Keys
  • Patent number: 4857123
    Abstract: A means and method for applying a stabilizer ply to a tire building drum and more particularly a means and method for cutting and applying the stabilizer ply material and specifically means for cutting the stabilizer ply material between cords disposed therein and correcting for variations of the cord angles during the application process in order to provide an improved splice between the leading and trailing edges of the stabilizer ply material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Donald O. Still, Hubert T. Hovance, George J. Burley
  • Patent number: 4852624
    Abstract: A flat tire inflation device for emergencies is provided which includes a flexible hose a supply chuck that is temporarily securable to a inflated tire by means of a spring loaded retaining clip and having a pressure gauge on the inflation chuck at the other end of the tube. An extension projects from the inflation chuck for connecting the inflation chuck to recessed valve stems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Inventor: Frank R. Belrose
  • Patent number: 4853069
    Abstract: Elastomer structures having exposed controlled surface release characteristics can be made by coating at least a portion of their surface with a releasing composition comprising (a) a chlorosulphonated polymer; (b) a reinforcing filler and (c) a green tackifying agent. Optionally, these compositions can also contain a chemical curing system and one or more volatile solvent/diluent viscosity-reducing vehicle. In a specific example, the coating are applied to flexible structures used in machines for the manufacture of articles having natural tack due to their rubber or elastomer content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Cleo M. Williams, Myron D. Sanders, William C. Cook
  • Patent number: 4850410
    Abstract: This invention relates to a continuous snow chain comprising three cords or chains disposed in zig-zag patterns and connected to each other in a network of cords or chains of a finite length including two parallel rows of substantially diamond-shaped openings. One cord or chain constituting one boundary of the network of cords or chains is slidably connected to a first retaining cord at each of the zig-zag points constituting the one boundary of the network of cords or chains, which first retaining cord includes means for connecting two extremities thereof to one another. The other cord or chain constituting the other boundary of the network of cords or chains is slidably connected to a second retaining cord at each of the zig-zag points constituting the other boundary of the network of cords or chains, which second retaining cord includes means for connecting two extremities thereof to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Inventor: Hyok S. Lew
  • Patent number: 4850402
    Abstract: An improved system is provided for use with a tire changer to regulate and control the inflation of pneumatic tires. This system regulates the flow of air in an air supply conduit through which pressurized air flows from a supply source to an outlet such as an air hose and chuck which an operator connects to a pneumatic tire. The system includes a first and second valve serially connected to the air supply conduit. A foot pedal activating member opens the first valve and closes a switch which activates a timer. The timer opens the second valve for a first predetermined time period and then maintains it in a closed position for a second predetermined time period. During the first period, the air flows through the conduit under relatively high pressure to inflate a pneumatic tire. During the second period, the second valve prevents the flow of air so that the system may stabilize and indicate the pressure in the pneumatic tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Hennessy Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Cunningham, Robert E. Gwaltney
  • Patent number: 4848430
    Abstract: A Tire Snow Belt made of a strip of rubber mounted on the circumferential surface of an automobile tire and having multiplicity of protrusions on the outside surface, that are of proper shape for increased traction on snow and interlinking ends with devices to join them and further having lugs for use, together with a cord, to tie the Tire Snow Belt securely on both sides of the tire; and an insert connected between the ends of the Tire Snow Belt will prolong its length for using it with a larger tire size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Inventor: Leski Lenet
  • Patent number: 4849043
    Abstract: A method of producing a succession of self-adhesive labels carried on a backing of release material, which method comprises cutting a laminar material which comprises a web coated on its reverse side with a pressure-sensitive adhesive and having a backing of a release material, the cutting being performed in such a manner that all the layers of the laminar material other than the backing layer are cut and so as to cut a succession of spaced label base portions on the backing; applying an adhesive either across the whole of the upper surface of the web or to an area within each label base portion; removing from the backing waste portions of the web outside the label base portions; applying either a folded sheet and envelope, a multiple-ply label or an envelope containing an article to cover that area of each of the label base portions which has been coated with adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Inventor: David J. Instance
  • Patent number: 4844138
    Abstract: An automobile tire pneumatic pressure controlling apparatus is disclosed. The automobile includes a vehicle body, vehicle compartment and axle shaft, and the control apparatus comprises a pressure source, a communication passage extending through the axle shaft and having one end opened to the automobile tire. The control apparatus further comprises a coupling means and valve means. The coupling means has a sealing means in sliding contact with the axle shaft and fluid-tightly maintains fluid communication between the pressure source and the other end of the communication passage. The valve means is disposed on a fluid path between the pressure source and the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Sadao Kokubu
  • Patent number: 4840697
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: W&A Bates Limited
    Inventors: Anthony G. Goodfellow, Anthony R. Wright
  • Patent number: 4825923
    Abstract: A traction cable is provided for use on a vehicle tire to increase traction in snow and ice. The traction cable comprises a pair of elongated flexible side members having first and second ends, a plurality of flexible cross members interconnecting the side members, a transverse connector mechanism for transversely connecting the ends of the cross members to the side members, and a releasable connector mechanism for releasably connecting the first and second ends of each of the side members. The cross members have ends and each of the cross members includes a cable having a plurality of traction elements slidably and rotatably mounted thereon. Each of the traction elements define a plurality of edges. The releasable connector mechanism includes first and second metal stampings which are preferably identical, a metal ring, and a flexible strap having first and second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Peerless Chain Company
    Inventors: David J. Blankenship, Richard A. George, Steven E. Czaplewski
  • Patent number: 4820219
    Abstract: A recreational device comprising an elastomeric body portion capable of holding compressed gas and having a surface temperature reducing coating integrally formed therewith on the outer surface thereof. The device is used in water sports where flotation is desired to reduce creature discomfort and physiological damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Inventors: Thomas H. Fortier, Jr., Carl J. Buetzow
  • Patent number: 4815513
    Abstract: An anti-skid device for preventing slippage of a wheel is disclosed. The anti-skid device comprises a cylindrical expandable member disposed on a tread portion of a tire, and compressed fluid supplying means. The expandable member has anti-skid members implanted at a radially outer portion of the expandable member, and the expandable member is formed with a hole at a radially inner portion thereof. The compressed fluid supply means is connectable to the hole of the expandable member. The expandable member is expanded upon supply of compressed fluid into the hole, and is shrunk upon discharge of the compressed fluid therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Inventor: Kiyohiro Hirakawa
  • Patent number: 4813466
    Abstract: An improved support track assembly for both protecting and improving the flotation and mobility of the resilient wheels of a vehicle is disclosed herein that comprises both a manually operable retention assembly for fastening the track into an endless belt around the vehicle wheel, and a track storage reel that conveniently positions the track under the wheel and in alignment therewith prior to installation. The improved support track is formed from a plurality of track members that are pivotally interconnected by means of connector pins, and the retention assembly is formed from a retaining pin having a first end that is transversely insertable into a track member in a connector-pin capturing position, and a second pin formed from a resilient loop of spring steel. When the retaining pin is inserted into a pin-capturing position, the terminus of the loop is resiliently biased in a latching position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Vehicle Systems Development Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Forsyth, John P. Forsyth
  • Patent number: 4812319
    Abstract: An improved package and method of packaging, including an oil-containing product, includes a multiple layer packaging sheet material which has reduced sensitivity to cockling. The multiple layer sheet material includes a layer which is susceptible to being swelled when in contact with oil, giving a cockled appearance. With reference to the package structure, the sheet material also includes a layer which impedes penetration of oil, the impeding layer being between the oil-containing product and the layer which is susceptible to being swelled when in contact with oil. The impeding layer comprises polypropylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Assignee: American National Can Company
    Inventors: Joseph C. Hsu, Robert A. Steen
  • Patent number: 4807680
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a composite rope made of a cylindrical core of twisted filaments of aromatic polyamides around which a plurality of steel wires of a rectangular configuration are coiled. The steel wires are wound side-by-side in one layer. Each wire is twisted around its own axis to such a degree that its broader side fully engages the periphery of the polyamide core. The edges of respective wires are rounded whereby the convex narrow sides of adjoining wires contact one another substantially along a line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Akzo NV
    Inventors: Wolfgang Weidenhaupt, Gunther Wepner, Peter Dismon, Mattheus G. Remijn
  • Patent number: 4805681
    Abstract: A control valve for increasing or reducing the air pressure in a tire of a vehicle wheel that is to be carried out over a short period of time, has a valve chamber that is connected, on one side, to the interior of the tire and, on the other side, to a supply duct. The valve chamber has a space that extends axially through the wheel hub, the interior end of this space being sealed off with respect to an axle part carrying the vehicle wheel. In this space, an automatically closing valve member is arranged that can be controlled into its open position against the interior pressure of the tire by a control piston that is also guided in this space and can be acted upon by a pressure medium. For supplying air to and removing air from the tire, the axle part projects into an axial duct of the control piston with a cylindrical projection that is penetrated by the supply duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl Vollmer, Klaus Keilpflug
  • Patent number: 4804027
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel and axle assembly having inflatable tires to be connected with an air filling device on the vehicle, which comprises an annular sealing assembly having a pair of annular radially expanding lobes which upon pressurization expand into sealing engagement and including a normally closed check valve which permits the flow of pressurized air to said lobes and prevents the flow of pressurized air into the tires until the lobes are in sealing engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas L. Runels