Abstract: A system and associated method of marking a molded vehicle tire with laser engraved information to provide both human visible and machine readable data concerning the tire. Information contained in a barcode on the tire is read at a first station and supplied to a control unit. The physical location of human visible information previously molded into the tire is read from the tire at a second station and supplied to the control unit which uses this information to position a laser located at a third station for engaging additional human visible information pertaining to the manufacture of the tire adjacent the existing visible information to satisfy the Department of Transportation (DOT) tire marking requirements. The additional information also can be laser engraved into the tire in a machine readable encoded format, such as 2D symbols, for subsequent control and verification throughout the life of the tire.

Abstract: A device (10) for splicing materials such as a strip of uncured tire tread stock (11) by ultrasonic joining includes two engagement cylinders (52, 72) driving two ultrasonic transducers (40, 60) having horns (43, 63) into selective, pressure engagement with the tire tread stock (11) at the top edge (15) of the splice joint, sealing the same. A screw (81) having right-handed threads (84) and opposite, left-handed threads (85) moves horns (43, 63) from their initial point of contact at opposite tire tread edges toward centerline (16) of tire tread stock (11) while horns (43, 63) deliver ultrasonic energy to top edge (15). As transducers (40, 60) near centerline (16), transducer (40) is withdrawn and transducer (60) continues thereacross, insuring a complete seal across the entire splice joint. A quality seal is obtained by selection of transducer (40, 60) frequency, control of transducer (40, 60) amplitude, and control of the pressure and speed of the transverse motion of horns (43, 63).

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.