Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a preassembly of built in sealant useful in tire manufacturing. The method of making the preassembled sealant includes extruding a center strip and at least two axially outer strips of a sealant onto a first conveyor belt; wherein the center strip and the axially outer strips are in a side by side adjacent relationship. Conveying the center strip onto a second conveyor while the axially outer strips are conveyed on the first conveyor belt towards the end of the belt, wherein the center strip has two outer edges, wherein a divider strip is applied to each other edge in a continuous manner, wherein the center strip is then conveyed onto the axially outer strips and then stitched together forming a preassembled component.

Abstract: The method of building and transferring a tread belt structure on a portable and collapsible building drum 10 mounted coaxially on a building machine 100 with a rotatable shaft 120 is disclosed. The method includes the steps of forming the annular tread belt 4 on the building drum 10, transferring the building drum 10 with the tread belt 4 from the rotatable shaft 120 onto a pivoting transfer device 200, pivoting the transfer device 200 about 90° rendering the tread belt 4 and axis of the building drum 10 perpendicular to a horizontal plane, collapsing the building drum 10, separating the annular tread belt 4 from the building drum 10, removing the tread belt 4, expanding the tire building drum 10, pivoting the building drum 10 into coaxial alignment with the rotatable shaft 120, moving the building drum 10 onto the shaft 120. The tread belt 4 has one or more elastomeric components applied while hot and the equipment provides means for weighing the tread belt 4.

Abstract: A method of cutting an elastomeric strip of material is described. The method includes the step of advancing a strip of material 2 a predetermined distance by a conveyor means 30. Resisting reverse movement of the strip 2; tensioning the strip 2; and cutting simultaneously across the entire width of the strip 2 through the thickness of the strip 2 on a skive angle of 45 degrees or less preferably about 28 degrees to form a cut length of material thereby relaxing the tension in the strip as the skive cut ends 3 and 4 move apart.

Abstract: A method of cutting an elastomeric strip of material is described. The method includes the step of advancing a strip of material 2 a predetermined distance by a conveyor means 30. Resisting reverse movement of the strip 2; tensioning the strip 2; and cutting simultaneously across the entire width of the strip 2 through the thickness of the strip 2 on a skive angle of 45 degrees or less preferably about 28 degrees to form a cut length of material thereby relaxing the tension in the strip as the skive cut ends 3 and 4 move apart.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a preassembly of built in sealant useful in tire manufacturing. The method of making the preassembled sealant includes extruding a center strip and at least two axially outer strips of a sealant onto a first conveyor belt; wherein the center strip and the axially outer strips are in a side by side adjacent relationship. Conveying the center strip onto a second conveyor while the axially outer strips are conveyed on the first conveyor belt towards the end of the belt, wherein the center strip has two outer edges, wherein a divider strip is applied to each other edge in a continuous manner, wherein the center strip is then conveyed onto the axially outer strips and then stitched together forming a preassembled component.

Abstract: The disclosed roller switch has a roller, a flag arm, and a photoelectric detector. The roller is connected to the flag arm and vertical movement of the roller causes the flag arm to move. The movement of the flag arm causes the photoelectric detector to send a signal. The signal may be used to measure the length of a material passing under the roller. The inventive roller switch has a pair of flag arms, and the roller is mounted on a shaft extending between the pair of flag arms. By providing a pair of flag arms connected by the roller, the roller switch is more robust and durable. The roller switch is also capable of pivoting across a conveyor belt.

Abstract: A tire drum turret having an outboard support and direct drive of the frame with adjustable drum shaft bearings for precise positioning of the drums.

Abstract: A strip of resilient material is clamped uniformly across the width of the material at a first position by vertically spaced clamps which are separated to stretch a section of the material beyond the elastic limit. The stretched section of material is released and transported on a horizontal conveyor to a second position where the stretched section is cut by a cutter providing edges of reduced thickness which are suitable for overlapping other stretched edges of reduced thickness for splicing.