Abstract: A method is provided for forming an apex filler including extruding a substantially linear elastomeric strip having a base and a pair of sidewalls converging from the base to an apex. The sidewalls of the elastomeric strip are then engaged with a nip presented by a pair of opposed frusto-conical rollers and a base support. The rollers are rotated to work the elastomeric strip whereby the base of the strip is rotated at a first linear speed, the apex is rotated at a second, greater speed and the sidewalls are rotated at linear speeds substantially proportional to the distance from the base to the apex, thereby forming an apex filler.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming an apex filler (13). The invention also provides a method and apparatus that is uniquely adapted for applying an apex filler (13) onto a bead ring sub-assembly (14) without the introduction of stresses at the outer edge (50) of the apex filler (13). The apex filler forming apparatus (10) works in conjunction with an extruder (43) which presents a linear strip (42) of elastomeric material having a pre-determined cross-section. A pair of opposed, forming rollers (33) present a nip (35) therebetween. Means (36) are provided to rotate the rollers (33). Rotation of the forming rollers (33) causes the nip (35) frictionally to engage the elastomeric strip (42). The interaction between the elastomeric strip (42) and the nip (35) effects rotary motion of the elastomeric strip (42) and increases the circumferential length of the elastomeric strip (42) proportionally to the radial distance outwardly from the base (49) thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming an apex filler (13). The invention also provides a method and apparatus that is uniquely adapted for applying an apex filler (13) onto a bead ring sub-assembly (14) without the introduction of stresses at the outer edge (50) of the apex filler (13). The apex filler forming apparatus (10) works in conjunction with an extruder (43) which presents a linear strip (42) of elastomeric material having a pre-determined cross-section. A pair of opposed, forming rollers (33) present a nip (35) therebetween. Means (36) are provided to rotate the rollers (33). Rotation of the forming rollers (33) causes the nip (35) frictionally to engage the elastomeric strip (42). The interaction between the elastomeric strip (42) and the nip (35) effects rotary motion of the elastomeric strip (42) and increases the circumferential length of the elastomeric strip (42) proportionally to the radial distance outwardly from the base (49) thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for centering an annular tread on a pneumatic tire-casing is described. The method, preferably put into use with the apparatus, comprises mounting a casing on a wheel, locating the equatorial plane of the casing or wheel, mounting the annular tread on an axially-moveable tread expander assembly, and positioning the tread on the tread expander assembly such that its circumferential center line is located a fixed distance from and parallel to the equatorial plane of the casing or wheel. The distance between the annular tread and the casing or wheel is reduced by an amount equal to the fixed distance so that the annular tread encircles the casing and the circumferential centerline of the tread becomes coincident with the equatorial plane of the casing or wheel.

Abstract: A method of clamping an annular tread to a pneumatic tire casing comprises mounting the casing on a wheel, mounting the annular tread on a tread expander assembly. The assembly expands radially and stretches the tread to a size allowing the tread to circumferentially surround the casing. The stretched annular tread then is moved axially toward the casing to a position where it circumferentially surrounds and is centered on the casing. The casing and stretched tread is encircled with a clamping assembly and, with use of such assembly and without rotating the casing or tread relative to such clamping assembly, the stretched, annular tread is clamped to the casing at a number of points. Pads in the clamping assembly then are retracted, and the annular tread is transferred from the supporting device onto the casing by moving the supporting device axially away from the casing.