Abstract: An applicator assembly for applying a cord to a tire-building surface that rotates during tire construction. The applicator assembly includes an applicator member to apply the cord. A first rotary device rotates the applicator member about a first axis that is transverse to the surface. A first translation device moves the applicator member in a first linear path relative to the surface. The applicator member may include a roller and/or a resilient member. A second rotary device may rotate the applicator member and the first rotary device around a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. A second translation device may move the applicator member, the first rotary device, the second rotary device, and the first translation device. A system for applying the cord to a core member may further include a spindle to rotate the core member about the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A high strength metallic drum is disclosed having an high internal volume for given external dimensions. The drum is divided into annular top, middle and bottom drum sections. Each drum section has a constant diameter, with the diameters of the top and bottom drum sections being larger than the diameters of the middle drum section. A pair of swedge rolling hoops are provided at the boundaries between adjacent sections to give the drum rigidity. A first one of the rolling hoops joins the top and middle sections while the second rolling hoop joins the middle and bottom sections. Each swedge rolling hoop has a gripping surface that extends outwardly from the middle drum portion to facilitate handling the drum. The maximum diameters of the swedge rolling hoops are larger than the diameters of each of the sections they join. In a preferred 55 gallon drum embodiment, the top and bottom sections have the same diameter and the swedge rolling hoops are mirror images of each other.