Abstract: A method for splicing beveled edges of a relatively thick tire tread strip free of internal reinforcing cords by ultrasonic energy. A contact face of a sonic welding tool or horn is pressed against the mating overlapping edges of the strip at a cylinder pressure within a range of 20 psi to 80 psi. Ultrasonic energy is applied to the strip while the pressure is applied thereto for a period of between 2 seconds and 12 seconds to heat and soften the rubber compound of the strip without vulcanizing the rubber compound. Pressure is maintained by the tool against the strip after application of the ultrasonic energy for a period of generally between 0.5 to 2.0 seconds to permit the softened compound to cool, set and bond together to form a strong bond between the overlapped edges. The contact face of the horn generally matches the contour of the contacted surface of the strip.

Abstract: A method for nondestructively monitoring the internal temperature of objects having poor thermal conductance, such as tires, includes the initial steps of determining the internal temperature of a reference object or a representative portion thereof at a plurality of internal temperatures (T), measuring a plurality of pulse propogation times (t.sub.T) taken by an ultrasonic frequency pulse signal to propogate through the reference object or a representative portion thereof at the plurality of internal temperatures (T), and establishing a relationship between the determined plurality of internal temperatures (T) and the associated plurality of pulse propogation times (t.sub.T). Thereafter the unknown internal temperature (T.sub.U) of the object to be monitored may be found by measuring the pulse propogation time (t.sub.TU) taken by an ultrasonic frequency pulse signal to propogate therethrough and determining the unknown internal temperature (T.sub.U) from correlating the measured pulse propogation time (t.