Abstract: The principal object of the invention is to provide a novel system for assembling green tires according to the two-stage process, together with a programmable control which allows the system to perform most of its functions automatically. The system assembles a first stage tire carcass essentially automatically, then removes and transfers completed carcasses automatically to a unique tire assembly drum, onto which the carcasses are automatically loaded. The assembly drum then acts to form each carcass into the desired toroidal shape. Second stage belt-tread stock assemblies are, in the meantime, completed and then automatically transferred into position surrounding the shaped carcasses, joined thereto, and the joined first and second stage assemblies are stitched together forming a green tire. The completed green tires are then taken automatically from the tire assembly drum and launched onto a unique discharge chute device.

Abstract: A transfer robot comprises a carriage mounted headstock assembly, a main support disk mounted to the rotatable spindle of a headstock, an extention slide mounted to the support disk for motion transverse to the spindle, and a carrying fixture mounted to the outer end of the slide and having adjustable sets of spaced apart gripping arms for gripping and carrying a cylindrical tire carcass. A counterweight on the disk offsets the outboard weight of the extended slide and carrying fixture, and a carcass carried thereon, on the headstock spindle and its bearings. The robot is powered by programmable devices which sequence its operation to grasp and carry a carcass by its bead areas from a carcass supply station, in an arc, into alignment with the axis of a tire building drum, then the carcass is moved axially of that drum and located around it, after which the gripping arms release and retract, and the fixture is moved to a parked position.

Abstract: A radially expandable and contractable tire building drum has a drawbar positioned along the centerline of the drum, a slidable cone fixed to the drawbar, and a plurality of slides connected to the cone and extending in a radial array therefrom. The slides are guided for motion only radially toward and away from the centerline. Each slide carries a corresponding drum segment having an arcuate outer surface, and the surfaces of the segment cooperate to form a cylindrical building surface on the drum exterior. Motion of the drawbar along the centerline cause the conical adjusting member to move the slides concurrently in a radial direction, expanding or contracting the building surface. Edges of the drum segments arcuate surfaces include scallops, as in the form of tongues and corresponding cavities, which cooperate as the drum segments move outward to maintain some surface continuity lengthwise of the drum building surface.

Abstract: A value incorporated into apparatus for controlling rigidity of a vehicle seat includes a housing defining a bore terminating in first and second counterbore ends with a narrowed central portion therebetween. A first port through the housing opens into the central portion, while a second port opens into both counterbore portions at or near the junction with the central portion. A two-piece resilient sealing member is disposed within the bore, and has enlarged first and second ends positioned in sealing contact within the counterbore portions to seal the bore, The sealing member is also normally positioned in sealing contact with the junction areas to seal the central portion from the counterbore portions. The sealing member may be moved longitudinally within the bore to move one of the enlarged portions away from one of the junction areas to open a fluid flow path between the ports. Normally open electrical switches are provided to be actuated upon longitudinal movement of the sealing member.

Abstract: A tire building machine including a building drum for receiving a belt-tread assembly and a pair of coaxial shafts having disc members freely rotatable thereon for receiving and supporting a tire carcass. The disc members and shafts are pivotally movable as a unit and the disc members are also movable with respect to one another for engaging annular beads formed on said carcass to effect a seal therewith and permit the introduction of air to inflate said carcass to assume a toroidal shape. A radially expansible and contractable transfer ring, that is axially movable, engages the belt-tread assembly and transfers same from the drum to the carcass prior to the pivoting of the carcass, belts and tread stock into engagement with a rotatably driven stitcher apparatus.

Abstract: A tire building machine including a building drum for receiving a belt-tread assembly and a pair of coaxial shafts having disc members freely rotatable thereon for receiving and supporting a tire carcass. The disc members and shafts are pivotally movable as a unit and the disc members are also movable with respect to one another for engaging annular beads formed on said carcass to effect a seal therewith and permit the introduction of air to inflate said carcass to assume a toroidal shape. A radially expansible and contractable transfer ring, that is axially movable, engages the belt-tread assembly and transfers same from the drum to the carcass prior to the pivoting of the carcass, belts and tread stock into engagement with a rotatably driven stitcher apparatus.

Abstract: A tire building machine including a building drum for receiving a belt-tread assembly and a pair of coaxial shafts having disc members freely rotatable thereon for receiving and supporting a tire carcass. The disc members and shafts are pivotally movable as a unit and the disc members are also movable with respect to one another for engaging annular beads formed on said carcass to effect a seal therewith and permit the introduction of air to inflate said carcass to assume a toroidal shape. A radially expansible and contractable transfer ring, that is axially movable, engages the belt-tread assembly and transfers same from the drum to the carcass prior to the pivoting of the carcass, belts and tread stock into engagement with a rotatably driven stitcher apparatus.