Abstract: A drum and a method of building a tire by the use of a unistage system is provided. The method includes the step of providing a drum that has a plurality of drum segments. A section of an outer surface of the drum is formed that has the same radial distance from the axial center of the drum. The drum has a plurality of bead gorges. Another step involves the application of a carcass reinforcement on the section of the outer surface of the drum that has the same radial distance from the axial center of the drum. At least one uncured rubber section is applied on the carcass reinforcement. The carcass reinforcement is wrapped around the uncured rubber section such that the orientation of the uncured rubber section remains the same.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for forming an elastomeric strip formed from at least two elastomeric compounds, for example to use as a pneumatic tire tread strip. Extrusion means advance two or more elastomeric materials (60) under pressure toward a final die chamber; from which material is extruded between a final die (50) and a roller (70). A head assembly (30) and a preform die (62, 64) are positioned in serial flow relationship between said extrusion means and said final die, and flow chambers formed within said head assembly and said preform die intercommunicate said extrusion means with said final chamber. Flow chambers within the preform die converge to at least one common junction within said preform die to form a single preform die exit chamber wherein a multi-material flow of elastomeric materials is established for passage into said final chamber for final extrusion therefrom.