Abstract: A tire sheet component is cut and applied to a drum with a retractable applier having a cutter and anvil member for cutting the sheet component at a first position spaced from the drum. Vacuum means are provided for holding the cut leading end on the anvil as it is moved to a second position where the anvil is moved towards the drum to press the leading end portion of the sheet component against the drum with a stitcher roll. The anvil is then moved in a sweeping motion to stitch the leading end against the drum. The drum is rotated a predetermined amount and the sheet is stitched to the drum with a second stitcher roll. The sheet component is cut at the first position providing a trailing end which is then stitched to the drum as it is rotated the final amount.

Abstract: A bead setter applier assembly (10) for positioning a tire bead (50) around a tire casing on a tire building drum wherein the assembly (10) has an annular frame member (12), a plurality of clamp segments (16) and a plurality of magnetic segments (34) pivotally mounted on the frame member (12). The bead ring (50) is placed on the magnetic segments (34) which have been rotated radially inward. The clamp segments (16) are rotated radially inward into engagement with the bead ring (50) to position the bead ring (50) in a location concentric with the central axis (A--A) of the assembly (10) and hold the bead ring (50). The magnetic segments (34) are then rotated radially outward out of engagement with the bead ring (50). After the tire casing is expanded into contact with the bead ring (50), the clamp segments (16) are retracted so that the assembly (10) can be moved away from the drum.