Abstract: The invention provides a rubber composition comprising at least a diene elastomer, at least 60 phr of a reinforcing inorganic filler, and 20 to 100 phr of a plasticizer comprising more than 4 phr of a mercapto-modified silicone oil.

Abstract: A method is provided for making an annular reinforcement structure having inner and outer reinforcement bands maintained in concentric alignment by a resilient spacing element positioned between the bands. The method includes the steps of placing the spacing element against the inside face of the outer reinforcement band and compressing the spacing element with a jig, adjacent the top edge of the outer reinforcement band. The spacing element is sufficiently compressed to allow the inner reinforcement band to slide into concentric alignment with the outer reinforcement band, with a minimum of deflection and/or distortion of the inner reinforcement band.

Abstract: A method is provided for making an annular reinforcement structure having inner and outer reinforcement bands maintained in concentric alignment by a resilient spacing element positioned between the bands. The method includes the steps of placing the spacing element against the inside face of the outer reinforcement band and compressing the spacing element with a jig, adjacent the top edge of the outer reinforcement band. The spacing element is sufficiently compressed to allow the inner reinforcement band to slide into concentric alignment with the outer reinforcement band, with a minimum of deflection and/or distortion of the inner reinforcement band.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to reinforcement assemblies for matrix materials, and more specifically to reinforcement assemblies for continuous loop members with reinforced matrix materials.

Abstract: The invention provides a rubber composition comprising at least a diene elastomer, at least 60 phr of a reinforcing inorganic filler, and 20 to 100 phr of a plasticizer comprising more than 4 phr of a mercapto-modified silicone oil.

Abstract: A method is provided for making an annular reinforcement structure having inner and outer reinforcement bands maintained in concentric alignment by a resilient spacing element positioned between the bands. The method includes the steps of placing the spacing element against the inside face of the outer reinforcement band and compressing the spacing element with a jig, adjacent the top edge of the outer reinforcement band. The spacing element is sufficiently compressed to allow the inner reinforcement band to slide into concentric alignment with the outer reinforcement band, with a minimum of deflection and/or distortion of the inner reinforcement band.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel with reinforcement bands that provide structural support for the wheel and a method of manufacture of such a wheel are described. The reinforcement band forms part of an annular reinforcement structure that includes a core that is cast in place between annular reinforcement bands. The core can be impregnated with a matrix material. The matrix material can also be used to form one or more elements of the non-pneumatic wheel.

Abstract: A method is provided for making an annular reinforcement structure having inner and outer reinforcement bands maintained in concentric alignment by a resilient spacing element positioned between the bands. The method includes the steps of placing the spacing element against the inside face of the outer reinforcement band and compressing the spacing element with a jig, adjacent the top edge of the outer reinforcement band. The spacing element is sufficiently compressed to allow the inner reinforcement band to slide into concentric alignment with the outer reinforcement band, with a minimum of deflection and/or distortion of the inner reinforcement band.

Abstract: An annular reinforcement structure is provided having a first reinforcement band and a second reinforcement band in a spaced-apart, concentric relationship, and a cast-in-place core material positioned between the first and second reinforcement bands and bonded thereto.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel with reinforcement bands that provide structural support for the wheel and a method of manufacture of such a wheel are described. The reinforcement band forms part of an annular reinforcement structure that includes a core that is cast in place between annular reinforcement bands. The core can be impregnated with a matrix material. The matrix material can also be used to form one or more elements of the non-pneumatic wheel.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel with reinforcement bands that provide structural support for the wheel and a method of manufacture of such a wheel are described. The reinforcement band forms part of an annular reinforcement structure that includes foam spacers positioned between the annular reinforcement band. The foam can be a reticulated foam into which a matrix material such as a polyurethane is introduced. The matrix material can also be used to form one or more features of the non-pneumatic wheel such as spokes, a mounting band, and a hub.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel with reinforcement bands that provide structural support for the wheel and a method of manufacture of such a wheel are described. The reinforcement band forms part of an annular reinforcement structure that includes a core that is cast in place between annular reinforcement bands. The core can be impregnated with a matrix material. The matrix material can also be used to form one or more elements of the non-pneumatic wheel.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. More particularly, a non-pneumatic tire having a reinforcement structure with one or more spacers is provided along with a method of placement of a spacer between reinforcing bands of a non-pneumatic tire. A jig can be used to facilitate placement of the spacer.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel is provided having a continuous loop reinforcement assembly that can support a load and have performance similar to pneumatic tires. Various configurations of a non-pneumatic wheel, including variations of the continuous loop reinforcement assembly, are provided. One or more resilient spacers can be positioned with the continuous loop reinforcement assembly and can be configured for the receipt of a matrix material.

Abstract: An improved spoke edge geometry for a non-pneumatic or hybrid tire. The spoke edge geometry possesses a reduced cross-section that reduces the bending stresses locally and allows a unique mold construction that changes the placement and orientation of potential flash.

Abstract: Molds for preparing a viscoelastic material for dynamic analysis that include mold sections that when closed in alignment define such elements as a specimen cavity having an open end and dimensioned to provide a sample of the viscoelastic material of a predetermined size. Other elements may include a support member holder adjacent to the open end of the specimen cavity and a fill channel in fluid communication between the specimen cavity and a fill port. The fill port is adapted for receiving a reactive mixture of the viscoelastic material to fill the specimen cavity, wherein the support member holder is adapted for securing a support member having a surface that seals the open end of the specimen cavity.

Abstract: A polyurethane that is a reaction product of reaction components, the reaction components comprising (a) a polyol; (b) a polyisocyanate selected from an aromatic, alicyclic or aliphatic polyisocyanate or combinations thereof; (c) a mixture of chain extenders that includes (i) a chain extender having a sulfur bridge in an amount of between 1 and 30 weight percent of the total mixture of claim extenders and (ii) a main chain extender, wherein the chain extender having a sulfur bridge. The chain extender having a sulfur bridge may be characterized as R1-A-Sx—B—R2 wherein R1 and R2 are selected from an OH, an NH2 or combinations thereof, A and B are selected from a divalent aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic organic group or combinations thereof, A and B may be the same or different and x is an integer of between 2 and 10.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel with reinforcement bands that provide structural support for the wheel and a method of manufacture of such a wheel are described. The reinforcement band forms part of an annular reinforcement structure that includes foam spacers positioned between the annular reinforcement band. The foam can be a reticulated foam into which a matrix material such as a polyurethane is introduced. The matrix material can also be used to form one or more features of the non-pneumatic wheel such as spokes, a mounting band, and a hub.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. More particularly, a non-pneumatic tire having a reinforcement structure with one or more spacers is provided along with a method of placement of a spacer between reinforcing bands of a non-pneumatic tire. A jig can be used to facilitate placement of the spacer.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel with reinforcement bands that provide structural support for the wheel and a method of manufacture of such a wheel are described. The reinforcement band forms part of an annular reinforcement structure that includes a core that is cast in place between annular reinforcement bands. The core can be impregnated with a matrix material. The matrix material can also be used to form one or more elements of the non-pneumatic wheel.