Abstract: A strut height adjusting apparatus for adjusting the height of a strut automatically and simultaneously to measure the height of a floor while ensuring the perpendicularity of the strut with a warning sound or other indication. The strut height adjusting apparatus includes a light receiving unit for receiving a laser beam for use in setting a hypothetical level which is vertically movably and fitted to a hollow body. A pointer provided for the light receiving unit and a scale plate member indicates the position of the pointer provided for the hollow body. The lower end of a rotary unit is set upright in such a way that it abuts against a base floor to be examined. The light receiving unit is moved up and down so that the laser beam from a laser beam emitter may be received at the center of the light receiving unit. The height of the second floor can be measured by reading graduations on the scale plate member as indicated by the pointer.

Abstract: A bead manipulator subassembly for a bead supply apparatus for setting beads, at given intervals, at both side-portions of a green tire inner layer formed on a tire molding former. A movable bead setter is disposed between said tire molding former and a bead stocker is provided with a bead retaining means for concentrically collecting and retaining two beads from a bead stocker. A posture controlling means for controlling the posture of the retaining means is provided so that said two beads may align with the center of the former. A motion controlling means for controlling the motion of the bead setter can be added so that said two beads may align with the center of the former.

Abstract: An automatic ply applying apparatus and method for forming an elastic annular body, such as a vehicle tire, by transporting each ply to a former, retaining a portion of the ply adjacent to the leading end of the former, applying the leading end portion of the ply to the peripheral surface of the former and applying the remaining portion of the ply to the peripheral surface of the former during rotation of the former.