Abstract: A tire with a tire bead having a cross sectional profile including a relatively wide base section and a top section that is tapered on at least one side, with the tire bead being embedded directly in the tire body without the use of an extension. Also, a tire with a tire bead having a cross sectional profile including a relatively wide base section and a top section with one tapered side and one untapered side, with the tire bead being embedded in the tire body along with an extension. Also, a method of building a tire where the tire bead and extension are assembled into the tire body at the tire building drum of the tire assembly machine, and the tire bead and extension are not pre-assembled prior to being introduced onto or into the tire body.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring circumferential surface dimensions of workpieces. A circular table is mounted with its upper surface in a horizontal plane for both rotational and reciprocal vertical movement. A plurality of through slots in the table extend radially with respect to its central axis of rotation. A like plurality of gripper fingers having both vertical and angularly disposed edges are affixed to a common cable for radial movement with respect to the table axis. When the table is in its upper position the fingers are positioned below corresponding ones of the slots, and when in the lower position portions of the fingers extend through the slots. As the fingers are moved toward the workpiece it is engaged by and rides up the angularly disposed edges until it abuts the vertical edges of the fingers. While the workpiece is supported above the table surface, one or more wheels rotatable about vertical axes are moved to engage the surface to be measured.

Abstract: An insert is located in the forming groove of the tire bead former so that the first convolutions of the wire, which form the tire bead, are wound on the insert as the tire bead former is rotated, the insert having an upstanding side portion which defines a space in the inner surface of the formed tire bead which receives the gripped inner terminal end of the wire when the formed tire bead is remove from the tire bead former.