Abstract: A trunnion type post cure inflator includes a pre-positioning platform and a loader to pick up a tire and bring it to a precise center and in parallelism with an open inside multi-stepped PCI ring, one of a pair capable of sealing different bead diameter tires. The loader works partly in conjunction with the PCI opening and closing mechanism so that the PCI is cleared for loading and the loader cleared for locking, each simultaneously. Tire holding devices are provided to permit cooling without inflation and dump unloading when the trunnion is rotated. Precision centering is obtained minimizing "no PCI" defects and enabling use of multi-step rings so that such rings do not require changing for different tire bead diameters.

Abstract: A tire component building machine includes a rotatable hub with a plurality of circumferentially spaced circular segments each having the same radius of curvature and each including a stem mounted on the hub for radial movement. A stud passing through and removably secured to each stem includes a projecting portion engaging a spiral cam, one end of each stud being exposed on a common side of the stems whereby each stud may readily be removed and the segments replaced by another set of segments each having another same radius of curvature. A drive assembly mounted on the hub rotates the hub and cam relative to one another radially to expand and contract the segments. In addition, the maximum expansion of the drum may be precisely regulated by an adjustable stop. A gap shield is provided to present a continuously firm circular work surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring a tire component such as a belt and tread assembly includes an annular supporting frame with a plurality of radially movable component gripping sectors mounted on the frame at equal circumferentially spaced locations, each of the sectors being carried by a pair of radially spaced generally parallel links pivotally connected to the frame and to the sectors. An actuating ring is movable circumferentially of the frame and for each sector, an actuating link extends generally axially between the ring and at least one of each pair of links to pivot the links radially upon circumferential movement of the actuating ring. In this manner, the sectors move radially uniformly. The links are connected to one common side of the sectors by fasteners projecting from the other common side so that a different set of sectors may readily be installed. An adjustable stop limits the movement of the sectors. The frame is transported from one position to another to transfer the tire component.

Abstract: A tire curing press which includes a center mechanism projecting from the bottom mold section, such center mechanism including a top movable clamping plate supporting the open upper end of a shaping bladder, and a chuck in the top mold section interfitting between the bead ring on the top mold section and the top plate on the center mechanism, when the press is closed, the chuck including toe portion adapted to fit under the bead of the cured tire, a conical skirt portion centering the I.D. of the tire bead shortly after the press begins to open, and a heel portion adapted to bear against the bladder as the chuck opens. The cured tire is then under the control of the chuck and is maintained centered as the tire is stripped from the mold sections and the bladder from the tire. The bladder may be stripped from the tire by vertically elongating the bladder with the chuck remaining in contact with the top plate.

Abstract: Vulcanizer lock means for a vulcanizer of the type wherein a tire carcass is shaped and cured in a mold cavity defined between top and bottom mold sections which are respectively mounted on a vertically movable support member and a fixed support member characterized in the provision of a mold-embracing lock ring which at its lower end has a rotatable, but axially fixed, connection with said fixed support member and which at its upper end has radially inwardly extending lugs with bottom helical surfaces engaged with top helical surfaces of radially outwardly extending lugs of said movable support member when said lock ring is rotated to locking position, said lugs being circumferentially offset when said lock ring is rotated to unlocking position to permit vertical movement of said movable support member and top mold section for unloading of the cured tire and for loading of the next uncured carcass.

Abstract: Tire building machine includes a pair of carriages axially movable in unison toward and away from opposite ends of the tire building drum on which are mounted bead carriers for supporting tire beads radially outwardly of the drum ends. Suitable controls and adjustments are provided for moving the carriages symmetrically about the center line of the drum into precise positions for positioning the tire beads with precision over the ends of the drum and holding the tire beads in place during expansion of the drum. Pusher rings may also be provided on the carriages to assist in obtaining symmetrical movement of the ply turnup bladders for obtaining the same amount of stitching and turnup of the plies on both sides of the tire.