Abstract: A monitoring device and patch combination used to monitor the conditions of a pneumatic tire having an innerliner includes a monitoring device and patch. The monitoring device includes a first connection element that is connected to the monitoring device. The patch includes an antenna that is connected to a second connection element. In one embodiment of the invention, the first connection element is in the form of a socket while the second connection element is in the form of a plug. The connection elements allow the monitoring device and patch to be separately fabricated and the direct physical connection between the antenna and the monitoring device to be formed when the combination is connected to the innerliner of the tire. In another embodiment, a plug extends from the bottom of an encapsulated monitoring device and is aligned with a socket on the patch. The connection between the plug and the socket occurs automatically when the encapsulated monitoring device is aligned with and connected to the patch.

Abstract: Circumferentially separate tire pitch sequences are selectively positioned for suppressing tire noise by comparing waveform representations of the separate pitch sequences in a correlation function and using the magnitude of a Hilbert Transform to identify minima of the absolute value of the correlation function. The relative rotated position of the pitch sequences for suppressing tire noise is selected from the vicinity of one of the minima.

Abstract: An apparatus and related methods for capturing a digital foot print image of a tire and for extrapolating load-deflection curves of the tire is presented. A frame carries a test pod that is coupled to a tire to perform various tests. In one application, a loading plate couples the tire to a transparent plate on the test pod where a camera captures a digital gray-scale image of the tire foot print. A processor converts the gray-scale image into a pressure map wherein each pixel of the digital image is correlated to a pressure value. In another application, the loading plate couples the tire to a sliding cover plate on the test pod, wherein the loading plate is incremented through a plurality of load values at predetermined inflation pressures. By using two inflation pressures, the processor extrapolates further load-deflection curves for the tire at other inflation pressures. The apparatus also provides a unique way for imparting camber on the tire during the above tests.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining lateral tire tread stiffness includes a holding fixture that is coupled to a loading fixture. The holding fixture includes a frame on which is mounted a rotary table that carries the tire tread specimen to be tested. The loading fixture includes a loading plate that can apply a normal loading force and a lateral loading force to the tire tread specimen. A processor receives data from a monitoring device which provides an indication of the deformation of the tire tread specimen as a lateral load is applied thereto. The processor also receives data from a load cell which monitors the amount of force applied to the tread specimen and correlates this data with the displacement data to determine stiffness properties of the tread specimen. The processor also controls the angular position of the rotary table to further analyze the tread stiffness of particular tire tread geometry.

Abstract: A method for monitoring various physical conditions of pneumatic tires, and to a tire including a monitoring device. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of monitoring tires which uses an active, self-powered programable electronic device which is installed in or on the interior surface of a pneumatic tire or on a tire rim. This device can be used for monitoring, storing and telemetering information such as temperature, pressure, tire rotations and/or other operating conditions of a pneumatic tire, along with tire identification information. The device can be activated by externally transmitted radio frequency waves and in response, the device compares or transmits information and provides a warning in the event a preselected limit is exceeded.

Abstract: A method for monitoring various physical conditions of pneumatic tires, and to a tire including a monitoring device. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of monitoring tires which uses an active, self-powered programmable electronic device which is installed in or on the interior surface of a pneumatic tire or on a tire rim. This device can be used for monitoring, storing and telemetering information such as temperature, pressure, tire rotations and/or other operating conditions of a pneumatic tire, along with tire identification information. The device can be activated by externally transmitted radio frequency waves and in response, the device compares or transmits information and provides a warning in the event a preselected limit is exceeded.

Abstract: A method for monitoring various physical conditions of pneumatic tires, and to a tire including a monitoring device. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of monitoring tires which uses an active, self-powered programmable electronic device which is installed in or on the interior surface of a pneumatic tire or on a tire rim. This device can be used for monitoring, storing and telemetering information such as temperature, pressure, tire rotations and/or other operating conditions of a pneumatic tire, along with tire identification information. The device includes a power source which can be placed into an active or a dormant mode using a data band switching circuit. The device can be activated by externally transmitted radio frequency waves or microwaves and in response, the device compares or transmits information and provides a warning in the event a preselected limit is exceeded.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition in the form of agglomerates comprising 70-97% by weight of 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propionic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and 3-30% by weight of a starch component, said process comprising the steps of a) forming an emulsion comprising 1) 70-97% by weight of 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propionic acid or a salt thereof 2) a solvent system 3) 3-30% by weight of the starch component 4) water and optionally 5) a surfactant b) crystallising to produce a suspension comprising crystals of 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propionic acid or the salt thereof in intimate contact with the starch component c) agitating said suspension to form agglomerates comprising an evenly distributed mixture of 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propionic acid or a salt thereof and the starch component d) collecting said agglomerates and optionally e) drying said agglomerates. Pharmaceutical formulations comprising 90-99.98% by weight of such a composition together with 0.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a tire wherein a monitoring device is embedded within the tire during its manufacture. The method includes placing the device with a dowel on a tie gum ply prior to curing the tire, without having the device contact a body ply of the tire. Then an inner liner ply of the tire is assembled over the monitoring device and over the tie gum ply. Pressure is applied to cause the dowel to press through the inner liner ply and the tire is then cured. After curing, the dowel is removed in order to produce an aperture, thereby permitting the internal space of the tire to communicate with a pressure sensor located on the device.

Abstract: An apparatus and technique for determining the abrasion potential for tire treads is presented. A tire is rotatably and forcefully brought into contacting engagement with a reflective surface received upon an illuminated glass plate. A charge coupled device monitors the internal reflection light which evidences a grey level corresponding to the force of engagement between the associated portion of the tire and the glass support plate. A marker is placed upon the tire centrally within a region of interest. The video image of the marker and region of interest is analyzed as to slip and force at that area. The product of the slip and force functions is an indication of frictional work at the interface between the tire and support surface and is correspondingly an indication of the propensity of the tire to wear.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for circumferentially measuring tread wear on a tire. A laser probe sequentially scans each of the ribs of a tire, obtaining data respecting the tread depth at various points therealong. This data is employed for each rib to determine heel-to-toe irregular wear of the lugs thereof and to also determine a total wear index indicative of the degree of wear of the lugs. The method and apparatus is also adapted to laterally scan the tire sidewall to obtain data therefrom for the ascertaining of anomalies therein.

Abstract: A channel type vehicle water pump drip collector provides improved efficiency and capacity and a simple installation. The internal volume enclosed by a retainer that is snap fitted onto the housing is filled with an absorbent material. Leaking coolant is soaked up, rather than puddling at the bottom of the channel. Therefore, a leak proof, welded connection is not needed. In the embodiment disclosed, a retainer for the ring is attached by flexible teeth, and the spaces between the teeth provide air vents through which absorbed coolant may gradually evaporate to the outside.

Abstract: A load interrupter device has a plurality of load interrupter contacts enclosed respectively in axially aligned vacuum bottles, each bottle containing a fixed contact and a second contact movable axially away from the fixed contact to open position and toward the fixed contact to closed position, the bottles being positioned in a tubular housing of dielectric material by a series of stacking pedestals each formed with three equi-angularly spaced radial arms engaging the inner surface of the tubular housing. Each movable contact is normally resiliently biased toward closed position and is moved to open position by a toggle having a pair of arms substantially aligned with the contacts and held in this position by springs connected to arms on the operating shaft such that when the operating shaft is rotated by the operating arm, the above-mentioned springs break the toggle, causing the individual contacts to open.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing arylpropionic acids of formula Ar--CH(CH.sub.3)--COOH, by reacting an aryl Grignard reagent with a metal pyruvate or with a pyruvamide, to form a hydroxy acid of formula Ar--C(OH)(CH.sub.3)--COOH or its amide, and converting the acid or amide to the product.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing arylpropionic acids of formula Ar--CH(CH.sub.3)--COOH, by reacting an aryl Grignard reagent with a metal pyruvate or with a pyruvamide, to form a hydroxy acid of formula Ar--C(OH)(CH.sub.3)--COOH or its amide, and converting the acid or amide to the product.

Abstract: Self-contained simplified power apparatus for operating electric transmission line switches locally or remotely includes a rotary hydraulic actuator arranged for mechanical coupling to the line switch, a battery-powered reversible low voltage motor operating a reversible hydraulic pump, with the opposite ports of the pump connected respectively to the opposite ports of the hydraulic actuator for selectively producing closing and opening movements of the hydraulic actuator responsive directly to reversals in the direction of the motor and pump, means for selectively starting, stopping and reversing the motor either from a remote point or locally, and means for disengaging the operator from the line switch to permit manual operation of the latter. For line switches that require high speed closure, a modified embodiment of the invention provides electrically controlled hydraulic means to this end.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved positive latch for high voltage, air break disconnect switches of the type having an elongated blade with one end swiveling on a terminal to switch its opposite end from the remote terminal, the blade being rotatable about its longitudinal axis and relative to the terminals and provided at its switching end with a transversely projecting contact lug shiftable by rotation of the blade into and out of frictional engagement with the remote terminal. The latch is pivotally mounted on the remote terminal and has a hook-like portion spring biased downwardly into latching position with respect to the end portion of the blade and is rotatable out of latching position by engagement with the latch of an arm carried by the blade when the contact lug is rotated out of engagement with the remote terminal and is formed with an extension engageable with the blade mounted latch operating arm for opening the latch as the blade approaches closed position.