Abstract: A tire carcass transfer device (111) having a hollow housing (112) for receiving a tire carcass (160), a plurality of flexible cups (21) arranged in a circular band around the housing, vacuum means connected to the cups (21) and fluid powered actuators (10) for radial movement of the cups. The actuators (10) each have a return spring (24) therein to move piston (14) of the actuator (10) radially outwards by a predetermined amount on cessation of operation of the fluid powered actuator. Since all the pistons (14) are moved the same distance outwards by their respective springs (24), distortions to the carcass from its circular shape are minimized. An actuator (10) having a return spring (24) operating on a rod (15) operably connected to a piston (14) to return the actuator piston to a mid stroke position is also described.

Abstract: A contractible tire building drum having segmental cylindrical shoulder rings with flanges at the ends and a stretchable bladder positioned over and between the shoulder rings. Each of the shoulder rings has a primary set of segments and a secondary set of segments alternately spaced around the ring. The primary and secondary sets of segments are retractable from positions in the cylindrical shoulder ring to a nested position radially inward. Guide means are provided to displace the secondary segments in an axial direction during retraction of the segments so that the secondary segments are axially displaced from the primary segments with the flanges of the secondary segments overlapping the flanges of the primary segments.

Abstract: A tire building drum having radially expandable shoulder forming means and radially expandable bead seating means. The drum includes an independently operable pair of annular pistons associated respectively with the shoulder forming means and the bead setting means such that the shoulder forming means can be operated independently in time, in radial extent and in force applied, of the bead seating means. The latter is in like manner operable independently in time, in radial extent, and in force applied at the bead setting means. The foregoing abstract is not to be taken as limiting the invention of this application, and in order to understand the full nature and extent of the technical disclosure of this application, reference must be made to the accompanying drawing and the following detailed description.

Abstract: A simple direct acting mechanism moves a circular rotatable disc cutter or two such cutters first to rollably engage a hard surface and then to traverse the surface to part the stock between a side-by-side pair of cords or wires. The cutter or cutters are blunt edged, as well as unheated and so avoid baring the cords or wires while parting the stock without the undesired effect of sharp or hot knives. The cutter or cutters are shiftable along the axis or axes to accommodate deviation of the cords with respect to the travel of the cutter. The foregoing abstract is not to be taken as limiting the invention of this application, and in order to understand the full nature and extent of the technical disclosure of this application, reference must be made to the accompanying drawing and the following detailed description.

Abstract: A simple direct acting mechanism moves a circular rotatable disc cutter or two such cutters first to rollably engage a hard surface and then to traverse the surface to part the stock between a side-by-side pair of cords or wires. The cutter or cutters are blunt edged, as well as unheated and so avoid baring the cords or wires while parting the stock without the undesired effect of sharp or hot knives. The cutter or cutters are shiftable along the axis or axes to accommodate deviation of the cords with respect to the travel of the cutter. The foregoing abstract is not to be taken as limiting the invention of this application, and in order to understand the full nature and extent of the technical disclosure of this application, reference must be made to the accompanying drawing and the following detailed description.