Abstract: A temperature sensor including a sapphire optical fiber and a nanoporous cladding layer covering at least a portion of the sapphire optical fiber.

Abstract: Systems and methods of buffing tire casings are provided. A tire buffing machine includes a tire hub assembly selectively rotating a mounted casing, a buffer configured to buff the casing, a tire belt detection apparatus having two or more sensors to detect a first belt depth of one or more belts at a first lateral position in a tire casing and a second belt depth of the one or more belts at a second lateral position within the tire casing, and an electronic controller. The controller determines the first belt depth and the second belt depth using a belt detection apparatus having two or more sensors of the belt detection apparatus and adjusts the operation of the buffer based on the first belt depth or the second belt depth.

Abstract: Systems and methods of buffing tire casings are provided. A tire buffing machine includes a tire hub assembly selectively rotating a mounted casing, a buffer configured to buff the casing, a tire belt detection apparatus having two or more sensors to detect a first belt depth of one or more belts at a first lateral position in a tire casing and a second belt depth of the one or more belts at a second lateral position within the tire casing, and an electronic controller. The controller determines the first belt depth and the second belt depth using a belt detection apparatus having two or more sensors of the belt detection apparatus and adjusts the operation of the buffer based on the first belt depth or the second belt depth.

Abstract: A system for leak testing an envelope for a tire assembly can include a rim, an envelope sized to accommodate a green tire assembly and secured to the rim, a vacuum system in fluid communication with the envelope, and a controller. The controller can be configured to pressurize the envelope to a predetermined pressure, compare a slope of pressure over time to a predetermined value, and enable proceeding with a depressurization of the envelope responsive to determining the slope of the pressure over time being more than or equal to the predetermined value.

Abstract: A system for leak testing an envelope for a tire assembly can include a rim, an envelope sized to accommodate a green tire assembly and secured to the rim, a vacuum system in fluid communication with the envelope, and a controller. The controller can be configured to pressurize the envelope to a predetermined pressure, compare a slope of pressure over time to a predetermined value, and enable proceeding with a depressurization of the envelope responsive to determining the slope of the pressure over time being more than or equal to the predetermined value.

Abstract: Systems and methods of buffing tire casings are provided. A tire buffing machine includes a tire hub assembly selectively rotating a mounted casing, a buffer configured to buff the casing, a tire belt detection apparatus having two or more sensors to detect a first belt depth of one or more belts at a first lateral position in a tire casing and a second belt depth of the one or more belts at a second lateral position within the tire casing, and an electronic controller. The controller determines the first belt depth and the second belt depth using a belt detection apparatus having two or more sensors of the belt detection apparatus and adjusts the operation of the buffer based on the first belt depth or the second belt depth.

Abstract: Implementations described herein relate to guide assemblies for a tire lift assembly. The guide assembly includes a mounting plate, a support structure extending from the mounting plate, and rollers. The mounting plate includes mounting holes to connect the mounting plate to a casting of the tire lift assembly. The support structure includes a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall that define an opening. The first wall is connected to and extending from the mounting plate, and the second wall and the third wall are connected to and extending from the first wall. The second wall may be opposite the third wall. The rollers are rotatably supported by the second wall and the third wall with each roller positioned on opposing sides of the opening. Each roller rotates relative to the support structure when a cable of the tire lift assembly travelling through the opening contacts the roller.