Abstract: Spacer segments (24) of various thicknesses are attached to radially movable master segments (14) of a transfer ring (16) for gripping and transferring tread belt packages of different diameters. The spacer segments (24) are of a resilient material and may have molded arm members (32) with flexible, resilient ribs (42) for engaging edge portions (46) of the master segments (14). Handles (70) may be provided on the arm members (32) for bending the arm members (32) to install and remove the spacer segments (24). Axial movement of the spacer segments (24) relative to the master segments (14) is limited by circumferentially extending raised edges (58,60,66,68) on the cylindrical mating surfaces (26,28) of the master segments (14) and the spacer segments (24).

Abstract: A multi-ply elastomeric belt is produced by tensioning fabric over a lower mold section, elastomeric enveloping said fabric under pressure to form a so called "pulley ply" section, inverting said ply, tensioning at least one fabric member over said ply and elastomerizing the fabric to form at least a belt section, a continuous belt can be made.

Abstract: A tire is cast and cured in a stationary mold having an annular mold cavity, an inlet opening and an outlet vent. The mold is tilted for optimum foam flow and minimum air or bubble entrapment. A liquid reactive mixture is injected into the mold through the inlet opening and moves through the mold cavity in different directions providing two leading surfaces which meet to form an interface adjacent the outlet vent. The air, foam gases and interface portion are extruded from the mold cavity through a slot in the vent into a reservoir. After curing of the elastomeric material formed by the liquid reactive mixture in the mold, the material in the slot and reservoir may be severed from the tire.

Abstract: A zero pressure device is composed of either a microcellular or homogeneous polyurethane made by reacting an organic polyisocyanate with at least three polyols, a monomeric polyol of 2 to 3 hydroxyls having a molecular weight of less than 250, a polyester polyol of 2 to 3 hydroxyls having a molecular weight of 800 to 3000 and a polyether polyol of 2 to 3 hydroxyls having a molecular weight of 4 to 7000. When the zero pressured device is a run-flat ring for a tire-wheel assembly, it has an average density of 60 to 65 pounds per cubic foot and 30 to 42 pounds per cubic foot when it is a tire.