Abstract: A machine vision system is directed toward a tire building drum in a tire building machine. The machine vision system produces a three dimensional image of a green rubber tread applied to the tire building drum. A center of the green rubber tread is identified in the three dimensional image by performing at least one convolution with at least one profile trace of the green rubber tread and a predefined tread profile. A difference is identified between the center of the green rubber tread and a center of the tire building drum. The difference is used as a tread position feedback error to position an application of a next green rubber tread onto the tire building drum from a tread conveyor.

Abstract: A method of making a tire comprising the steps of providing a core; forming a first layer of ply by winding a strip of one or more rubber coated cords onto the core in a geodesic pattern extending from a first shoulder to a second shoulder opposite said first shoulder and being tangent to the bead at a location between said first shoulder and said second shoulder.

Abstract: A tire having a modified geodesic belt is described. The ideal geodesic belt path is modified to select the centerline belt angle and to avoid excessive build up of the belt at the belt edges. The method includes the step of calculating the minimum three dimensional distance from one belt edge to the other belt edge preferably using dynamic successive approximation.

Abstract: A method of making a tire comprising the steps of providing a core; forming a first layer of ply by winding a strip of one or more rubber coated cords onto the core in a geodesic pattern extending from a first shoulder to a second shoulder opposite said first shoulder and being tangent to the bead at a location between said first shoulder and said second shoulder.

Abstract: A method of making a tire comprising the steps of providing a core; forming a first layer of ply by winding a strip of one or more rubber coated cords onto the core in a geodesic pattern extending from a first shoulder to a second shoulder opposite said first shoulder and being tangent to the bead at a location between said first shoulder and said second shoulder.

Abstract: A tire having a modified geodesic belt is described. The ideal geodesic belt path is modified to select the centerline belt angle and to avoid excessive build up of the belt at the belt edges. The method includes the step of calculating the minimum three dimensional distance from one belt edge to the other belt edge preferably using dynamic successive approximation.

Abstract: A method of making a modified geodesic belt for a pneumatic tire is described. The ideal geodesic belt path is modified to select the centerline belt angle and to avoid excessive build up of the belt at the belt edges. The method includes the step of calculating the minimum three dimensional distance from one belt edge to the other belt edge preferably using dynamic successive approximation.

Abstract: A method of making a tire comprising the steps of providing a core; forming a first layer of ply by winding a strip of one or more rubber coated cords onto the core in a geodesic pattern extending from a first shoulder to a second shoulder opposite said first shoulder and being tangent to the bead at a location between said first shoulder and said second shoulder.

Abstract: A method for detecting ply wire anomalies in a tire carcass ply having a plurality of spaced apart ply wires extending across a tire carcass, the method comprising the steps: constructing a green tire carcass in a diametrically expanded toroidal configuration, the carcass comprising a pair of beads, the carcass ply extending from bead to bead, at least one crown layer covering the carcass ply and having a peripheral skirt region; and sidewalls covering the carcass ply and extending from the beads to the crown layer and having edge portions intersecting the crown layer; mounting a wire sensor apparatus proximal to the tire carcass ply, the wire sensor apparatus including a wire sensor for detecting the presence of a proximal ply wire; establishing relative movement between the wire sensor and the tire carcass whereby the plurality of spaced apart ply wires are sequentially placed into proximal relationship with the wire sensor; and generating sequential data from the wire sensor indicative of at least one ply

Abstract: A ply wire sensor system is provided for a tire carcass ply in a green tire carcass having a toroidal shape, the tire carcass ply having a plurality of spaced apart ply wires extending across the toroidal shape. The sensor system includes a wire sensor mounted in close proximity with the tire carcass ply, the wire sensor detecting the presence of a proximal ply wire; and means for establishing relative movement between the wire sensor and the tire carcass whereby the plurality of spaced apart ply wires are sequentially placed into proximity with the wire sensor. The wire sensor generates sequential data indicative of at least one ply wire parameter of the plurality of spaced apart ply wires.