Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to reinforced-rubber spokes for a non-pneumatic tire and non-pneumatic tires comprising a plurality of reinforced-rubber spokes. The spoke comprises a radially outer end for connecting the spoke to a shearband, a radially inner end for connecting the spoke to a hub and a web extending between the radially inner end and the radially outer end, the web comprising therein reinforcement cord serpentining between the radially inner end and the radially outer end.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the production of at least a part of a non-pneumatic tire structure, the non-pneumatic tire structure comprising an inner band, an outer band surrounding the inner band and a spoke part comprising a plurality of spokes extending between the inner band and the outer band; wherein the process comprises providing a first plastic composition in the form of a filament comprising a continuous fiber coated with a first thermoplastic resin; and forming one or more selected from one or more spokes of the plurality of spokes, the inner band and the outer band of the non-pneumatic tire structure by 3D printing, wherein forming includes depositing layers of the first plastic composition.

Abstract: A shear band and a non-pneumatic tire is described which includes a ground contacting annular tread portion; a shear band, and a connecting web positioned between a hub and the shear band. The shear band is preferably comprised of a three-dimensional spacer fabric having a first and second layer connected by connecting members. The three-dimensional spacer fabric has a defined depth. The first and second layer of fabric of the three-dimensional spacer structure are reinforced with a respective first and second layer of non-crimped fabric, eliminating the need for a rubber shear layer and reinforcement layers commonly used for the shear band.

Abstract: A shear band for a tire includes an annular first, radially outer fabric layer extending circumferentially around the tire; and an annular second, radially inner fabric layer extending circumferentially around the tire. The shear band is formed from a single shear band strip helically wound circumferentially and axially with a first edge of the shear band strip. The first edge of the shear band strip has a first extension flap for engaging an opposite second edge of the shear band strip. The first extension flap is continuously secured to the opposite second edge linearly along the opposite second edge of the shear band strip.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a non-pneumatic tire comprising a hub portion and a ring member arranged essentially concentrically about the hub portion, wherein the ring member comprises a tread portion on its radially outer side. Moreover, the tire comprises a sidewall connecting the hub portion with the ring member, wherein the sidewall comprises multiple sidewall members, each sidewall member being connected on a first side to the hub portion and on a second side to the ring member. Adjacent sidewall members overlap at least partially in a manner whereby they can move relatively to each other under tire loading conditions, such as when the tire is mounted on a vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a non-pneumatic tire comprising a hub portion, a ring member essentially concentrically arranged about the hub portion, a plurality of tread portions radially extending out of a radially outer surface of the ring member, and a plurality of spokes extending from a radially outer surface of the hub portion to a radially inner surface of the ring member for supporting the ring member on the hub portion. Moreover, the tire comprises a plurality of channels fluidly connecting the hub portion with radially inner sides of the tread portions. In addition, the present invention is directed to a kit comprising such a tire and a capsule receivable in the tire.

Abstract: A flying machine having a light weight housing is described. Th light weight housing includes a cabin for housing one or more passengers, a flight control system, and at least two nonpneumatic wheels. Each non-pneumatic wheel includes a ground contacting annular tread portion; a plurality of vanes extending between a hub of the non-pneumatic wheel and the annular tread, wherein each vane is formed of a reinforced layer of fabric, wherein each nonpneumatic wheel is mounted on a rotatable support arm, and wherein the wheel is rotated at a high rate of speed to generate lift of the flying machine.

Abstract: A support assembly for a vehicle travels along a road surface and rotates relative to the road surface and the vehicle. The first support assembly includes a spherical tread layer for contacting the road surface, a foam layer adjacent the spherical tread layer, the foam layer including adjustable elements for altering an outer physical contour of the spherical tread layer, the outer physical contour contacting the road surface, a spherical wheel/tire for supporting the spherical tread layer and the vehicle, and a drive system magnetically driving rotation of the spherical wheel/tire relative to the vehicle such that no portion of the spherical tread layer physically contacts the vehicle.

Abstract: A support assembly for a vehicle travels along a road surface and rotates relative to the road surface and the vehicle. The first support assembly includes a spherical tread layer for contacting the road surface, a foam layer adjacent the spherical tread layer, the foam layer including adjustable elements for altering an outer physical contour of the spherical tread layer, the outer physical contour contacting the road surface, a spherical wheel/tire for supporting the spherical tread layer and the vehicle, and a drive system magnetically driving rotation of the spherical wheel/tire relative to the vehicle such that no portion of the spherical tread layer physically contacts the vehicle.

Abstract: The present application relates to a tire (2) comprising a tread portion (4) and sidewalls (6) terminating with beads, with inner sides defining an annular cavity; a deformable structure (8) located in the annular cavity in contact with the inner side of the tread portion (4), said structure (8) comprising bendable elements (10); wherein the bendable elements (10) of the deformable structure (8) comprise a piezoelectric material (102) so as to produce electrical energy from bending of said elements (10) and comprise at least one thermoelectric material (101, 103) so as to produce electrical energy from heat of said elements.

Abstract: The present application relates to a tire (6) comprising: a tread portion (8) and side walls (10), said tread portion (8) and side walls (10) defining a main air chamber (12); at least two auxiliary chambers (14, 16, 18) formed in the tread portion (8); and an air transfer device (28) for transferring air between the main air chamber (12) and each of the auxiliary air chambers (14, 16, 18).

Abstract: A support assembly for a vehicle includes at least two spherical tires travelling on a road surface and rotating relative to the road surface and the vehicle and a drive system magnetically driving rotation of the tires relative to the drive system itself such that no portion of the drive system physically contacts the tires or the road surface. The tires each have an outer tread layer comprising a material having a first stiffness when dry and a second stiffness when wet, the first stiffness being greater than the second stiffness.

Abstract: A support assembly for a vehicle includes at least two spherical tires travelling on a road surface and rotating relative to the road surface and the vehicle and a drive system magnetically driving rotation of the tires relative to the drive system itself such that no portion of the drive system physically contacts the tires or the road surface. The tires each have an outer tread layer comprising a material having a first stiffness when dry and a second stiffness when wet, the first stiffness being greater than the second stiffness.

Abstract: The present application relates to a tire (6) comprising: a tread portion (8) and side walls (10), said tread portion (8) and side walls (10) defining a main air chamber (12); at least two auxiliary chambers (14, 16, 18) formed in the tread portion (8); and an air transfer device (28) for transferring air between the main air chamber (12) and each of the auxiliary air chambers (14, 16, 18).

Abstract: A support assembly for a vehicle includes at least two spherical tires travelling on a road surface and rotating relative to the road surface and the vehicle and a drive system magnetically driving rotation of the tires relative to the drive system itself such that no portion of the drive system physically contacts the tires or the road surface.

Abstract: The present application relates to a tire (2) comprising a tread portion (4) and sidewalls (6) terminating with beads, with inner sides defining an annular cavity; a deformable structure (8) located in the annular cavity in contact with the inner side of the tread portion (4), said structure (8) comprising bendable elements (10); wherein the bendable elements (10) of the deformable structure (8) comprise a piezoelectric material (102) so as to produce electrical energy from bending of said elements (10) and comprise at least one thermoelectric material (101, 103) so as to produce electrical energy from heat of said elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to functionalization of diene-based elastomers with end-chain or in-chain functional groups to promote good dispersion of graphene and carbon nanotubes, and enhance strong interaction between elastomers and graphene and carbon nanotubes. This invention also relates to preparation of rubber reinforced with at least one of graphene and carbon nanotubes with functionalized diene-based elastomer and tire with component thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to preparation of rubber reinforced with at least one of graphene and carbon nanotubes with specialized coupling agent and tire with component thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to preparation of rubber reinforced with at least one of graphene and carbon nanotubes with specialized coupling agent and tire with component thereof.

Abstract: A method forms an adhesion joint between a cord and a rubber matrix. The method includes the steps of: providing a cord having an initial relatively smooth surface; texturing the smooth surface such that the resulting surface is rougher than the initial surface of the cord; depositing a uniform polymer coating on to the textured surface of the cord by plasma polymerization of an organic precursor and an air plasma; and inserting the cord into a rubber matrix such that the resulting surface provides enhanced adhesion to the rubber matrix compared to the adhesion of the initial surface to the rubber matrix or adhesion of the textured surface to rubber matrix.