Abstract: A continuously operating bead filler assembly system for forming filler material on top of a tire bead includes a multiple station assembly machine having at least one station for placing the bead and positioning the filler material in cylindrical form adjacent the bead and at least one station for forming and rotating the filler material on top of the bead. The multiple station assembly machine is used in conjunction with a rubber extruder, which continuously extrudes the filler material onto an accumulator, which delivers the filler material to a cutting and measuring device which cuts the filler material in predetermined lengths for deposit of the filler material in cylindrical form onto accumulator station.

Abstract: A continuously operating bead filler assembly system for forming filler material on top of a tire bead includes a multiple station assembly machine having at least one station for placing the bead and positioning the filler material in cylindrical form adjacent the bead and at least one station for forming and rotating the filler material on top of the bead. The multiple station assembly machine is used in conjunction with a rubber extruder, which continuously extrudes the filler material onto an accumulator, which delivers the filler material to a cutting and measuring device which cuts the filler material in predetermined lengths for deposit of the filler material in cylindrical form onto accumulator station.

Abstract: A retractable bead setter assembly of the present invention for use with a tire building machine is comprised of a tire bead placing and end ply turn-up bag pusher means having a plurality of first segment elements movable radially therein and a plurality of alternately spaced second segment elements movable both radially and axially. The bead portion of the bead and filler material is positioned adjacent to the first segment elements and firmly gripped between the first and second segment element. The tire bead placing and end ply turn-up bag pusher means is axially moved inwardly to an inward bead set position perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the tire building machine and the clamp lock means is expanded radially to lock the tire carcass material to the bead.

Abstract: Cutting apparatus including an anvil portion having a slot therethrough, a rotatable knife portion disposed within the anvil, anvil support means swingable from an operating position to a rest position, positioning means for moving the anvil support means into an operating position and knife actuating means for rotating the knife within the anvil when the anvil is in an operating position.

Abstract: Tire building apparatus including an intermediate radially expandable drum. Fluid pressure operated means are provided for effecting at least partial actuation of expanding and contracting means for the drum, and centering means are provided for maintaining the transverse center plane of the drum in a constant axial position during expansion and contraction of the latter. The fluid pressure operated means are incorporated with a pair of axially movable carrier means on opposite sides of the transverse center plane, and tire bead locating and supporting means are incorporated with each of the carrier means. Positive drive means are provided for axially moving the carrier means toward and away from each other for effecting in conjunction with the fluid pressure operated means actuation of the drum expanding and contracting means. Said positive drive means also serves to effect moving of the tire bead locating and supporting means axially symmetrically of the transverse center plane.

Abstract: A stitcher assembly for use in tire building apparatus which apparatus has main frame means and rotatable tire building drum means supported by the main frame means and in turn supporting tire carcass material along with partially applied tread cap and/or sidewall components. The stitcher assembly includes a pair of carrier units, means for supporting and rotating the carrier units relative to the main frame means, a pair of arm assemblies one associated with each of the carrier units and having stitcher wheel means, and means for supporting and linearly moving the arm assemblies within the carrier units.