Abstract: The present application is directed to a method for applying a flexible annular strip to a radially inward oriented surface of a tire. Moreover, the present invention is directed to a corresponding apparatus for carrying out the above method.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a method for applying a flexible annular strip to a radially inward oriented surface of a tire. Moreover, the present invention is directed to a corresponding apparatus for carrying out the above method.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire includes a carcass, opposing bead portions, a carcass reinforcing ply extending between the bead portions, and opposing bead cores situated within respective opposing bead portions. An annular hollow tube member is situated within a bead portion, the tube member containing within a tube internal passageway a viscous fluid and a plurality of spherical balls within the viscous fluid. The spherical balls are dimensioned and sized to freely move circumferentially about the tube passageway. The balancing bodies operationally reposition within the tube passageway to cancel imbalance effects within a running wheel assembly including the tire. The tube member may be located in a tire apex member or form a tire bead core within the tire bead portion with carcass reinforcing ply endings surrounding the tube member.

Abstract: Methods for improving vehicle steering performance and robustness of that performance include control of non-uniformities in the vehicle's tires, wheels and tire/wheel assemblies as a way to overcome the tendency of the steering systems in certain vehicle types to undergo “steering performance loss.” While minimizing lateral force variations (e.g., couple imbalance), a controlled amount of radial and/or tangential force variation is induced in one or more tire/wheel assemblies by means of mass non-uniformity, dimensional non-uniformity, and/or stiffness non-uniformity. For dimensional non-uniformity, the preferred method is to impart a controlled amount of dimensional non-uniformity (preferably radial runout) to the tire and/or the wheel in at least one of the tire/wheel assemblies, followed by statically and dynamically balancing all of the vehicle's tire/wheel assemblies.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for improving vehicle steering performance and robustness of that performance through control of non-uniformities in the vehicle's tires, wheels and tire/wheel assemblies as a way to overcome the tendency of the steering systems in certain vehicle types to undergo “steering performance loss.” While minimizing lateral force variations (e.g., couple imbalance), a controlled amount of radial and/or tangential force variation is induced in one or more tire/wheel assemblies by means of mass non-uniformity, dimensional non-uniformity, and/or stiffness non-uniformity. For dimensional non-uniformity, the preferred method comprises imparting a controlled amount of dimensional non-uniformity (preferably radial runout) to the tire and/or the wheel in at least one of the tire/wheel assemblies, followed by statically and dynamically balancing all of the vehicle's tire/wheel assemblies.