Abstract: Coextrusion apparatus for varying the outer profile of a generally tubular extrudate formed by inner and outer streams of elastomeric material by varying the annular end opening of an elastic die ring which varies the size of an outer extrusion orifice and consequently the flow of the outer stream of elastomeric material which is deposited on the outer surface of the tubular extrudate. A hydraulically moveable piston is axially slideably mounted for engagement with the elastic die ring and has a wedge-shaped camming surface which moves along the outer surface of the elastic die ring to vary the size of the outer extrusion orifice and consequently the amount of elastomeric material extrudated therethrough. A linear motion detector is connected to the piston to detect the amount of linear axial movement of the piston to provide control signals for controlling the movement of the piston.

Abstract: Coextrusion apparatus for varying the outer profile of a generally tubular extrudate formed by merging inner and outer streams of elastomeric material by varying the size of the annular outer extrusion die opening by an axially moveable die ring which varies the flow of the outer stream of elastomeric material which is deposited on the outer surface of the tubular extrudate. The die ring is formed on the end of a hydraulically moveable piston and is axially slideably moved along and is located concentrically about the tubular extrudate. A first annular tapered surface of the die ring moves along a similar tapered surface of a fixed conical-shaped die pin to vary the size of the outer extrusion orifice formed therebetween.

Abstract: Coextrusion apparatus for varying the inner profile of a generally tubular extrudate formed by a first stream of elastomeric material by an axially movable inner die ring which varies the size of an orifice and consequently the flow of a second stream of elastomeric material which is deposited on the inner surface of the tubular extrudate. A compensating ring is axially slidably mounted within the inner die ring and moves generally in an opposite direction to the movement of the die ring to compensate for pressure changes within the second stream of material caused by varying the size of the orifice, to provide an accurately controlled initiation and termination of the material. Pistons are formed integrally on the inner die ring and compensating ring and are located within annular fluid pressure chambers whereby the flow of fluid into the chambers will coordinate the movement of the die ring and compensating ring.

Abstract: A system for handling a flexible thin wall tubular extrudate of an elastomeric material of the type used as a body ply element for the manufacture of tires, and for cutting-off a predetermined length sleeve of the extrudate and delivering the sleeve to a discharge station. A pair of grippers is movably mounted on carriage assemblies which move the grippers horizontally and transversely with respect to the axis of the extrudate. The leading gripper provides tension to the extrudate and pulls it along a production axis. The trailing gripper engages the extrudate and moves in unison with the extrudate and the leading gripper along the production axis. The grippers completely circumferentially envelop the length of sleeve to be cut from the extrudate and retain the shape of the extrudate by applying a vacuum thereto. A cutting mechanism having a fixed motor driven blade and a pair of similar pivotally mounted blades moves vertically down into contact with the extrudate between the pair of grippers.

Abstract: A coextrusion head for producing a generally tubular elastomeric ply made up of first and second concentric tubular streams of elastomeric material having interposed, adjacent to their interface, a closely spaced array of parallel reinforcing elements wherein the coextrusion head includes a reinforcing element guide subassembly including a generally annular guide element as well as a mechanism for individually and independently directing and accurately positioning a circular array of uniformly spaced individual reinforcing elements.

Abstract: A coextrusion head for producing a generally tubular elastomeric ply made up of first and second concentric tubular streams of elastomeric material having interposed, adjacent to their interface, a closely spaced array of parallel reinforcing elements wherein the coextrusion head includes a reinforcing element guide subassembly including a generally annular guide element as well as a mechanism for individually and independently directing and accurately positioning a circular array of uniformly spaced individual reinforcing elements.

Abstract: High modulus and high performance composite vehicle wheels are prepared as laminate or sandwich structures having a fiber-reinforced syntactic foam core with disc member reinforcing means contained therein. This wheel is lightweight and for pneumatic tires wherein the syntactic foam is bonded to impact resistant rim and disc-nave sheets such as those made of thin steel. The reinforcing disc member transfers stresses from the vehicle wheel hub to the syntactic foam when, for example, cornering a vehicle.

Abstract: Fire resistant poly(phosphazene) vulcanizates can be produced as foams or as foam coatings. The resulting articles exhibit excellent flame retardancy.

Abstract: The properties of fluoroalkoxyphosphazene polymers are improved by compounding the polymers with certain fillers some of which may be reactive, a class of polyfunctional coagents, a vulcanizing agent and possibly other additives and thereafter vulcanizing the resulting compositions. The resulting vulcanizates have improved properties and extend the utility of the phosphazene polymers for use as mechanical goods, seals, O-rings and gaskets for extreme service environments.