Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying a graphic label that is readable with a light scanning device with such label placed on a rubber article. The graphic bar code label is optically interpreted with a bar code reader.Thus, the cured substrate with the label with the graphic message is produced by using thermal transfer techniques. For this purpose, the ribbon in contact with the substrate passes by a print head and the ink can be selectively heated with this operation being synchronized by computer operation. When the ribbon is stripped away, the ink is left where heating occurred on the substrate material. The printed substrate exits and is cut to produce labels of desired length. The label is placed on a curable article and the label and substrate are subjected to curing conditions to effect transfer of the label to the cured substrate which may now contain the message in solely, alphanumeric, bar codes, human readable characters, and logos or mixtures of them.

Abstract: Steel cables are utilized for reinforcing a wide variety of rubber articles. For instance, pneumatic tires are normally reinforced with steel tire cords. It is important for such reinforcing cables to exhibit good fatigue and corrosion resistance. It has been unexpectedly found that the fatigue and corrosion resistance of such cables can be improved by incorporating syndiotactic-1,2-polybutadiene into the interstices between the steel filaments in such cables. This invention more specifically relates to a cable for reinforcing rubber articles having improved fatigue and corrosion resistance which is comprised of a plurality of steel filaments and syndiotactic-1,2-polybutadiene, wherein the syndiotactic-1,2-polybutadiene is dispersed within interstices between said steel filaments.

Abstract: For a wide variety of reasons, it would be desirable to affix identification labels, such as serial numbers, to tires. Such labels should be capable of lasting the entire life of the tire which may include being retreaded on multiple occasions. From a commercial standpoint, it is also very important for the label and the means of affixing it to the tire to be inexpensive. This invention discloses such a technique for affixing identification labels to tires.

Abstract: Steel cables are utilized for reinforcing a wide variety of rubber articles. For instance, pneumatic tires are normally reinforced with steel tire cords. It is important for such reinforcing cables to exhibit good fatigue and corrosion resistance. It has been unexpectedly found that the fatigue and corrosion resistance of such cables can be improved by incorporating syndiotactic-1,2-polybutadiene into the interstices between the steel filaments in such cables. This invention more specifically relates to a cable for reinforcing rubber articles having improved fatigue and corrosion resistance which is comprised of a plurality of steel filaments and syndiotactic-1,2-polybutadiene, wherein the syndiotactic-1,2-polybutadiene is dispersed within interstices between said steel filaments.

Abstract: Tires having white sidewalls are very popular in the United States and Canada. Tires having white lettering thereon are also very popular. This invention discloses a process for preparing such tires having decorative appliques thereon. By practicing the process of this invention, tires having better uniformity can be built at lower costs than when standard tire building techniques are utilized. This invention specifically relates to a method of preparing a pneumatic rubber tire having a decorative design on the sidewall thereof which comprises (a) applying the decorative applique to the sidewall of an uncured tire and (b) curing the tire; wherein the decorative applique is comprised of from about 25 weight percent to about 75 weight percent syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene having a melting point which is within the range of about 70.degree. C. to about 160.degree. C.

Abstract: Tires having white sidewalls are very popular in the United States and Canada. This invention discloses a process for preparing such tires having decorative appliques thereon. By practicing the process of this invention, tires having better uniformity can be built at lower costs than when standard tire building techniques are utilized. This invention specifically relates to a method of preparing a pneumatic rubber tire having a decorative applique on the sidewall thereof which comprises (a) applying the decorative applique to the sidewall of a cured tire and (b) binding the decorative applique to the sidewall by the application of heat and pressure; wherein the decorative applique is comprised of from about 25 weight percent to about 75 weight percent syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene or blends of SPBD having melting points which are within the range of about 70.degree. C. to about 160.degree. C.

Abstract: A tire has on its inner surface on elastomeric air barrier coating, which is formed by photocuring a composition comprising: (a) an end capped prepolymer (MW 2500-10,000) formed by reacting a polyester diol (MW750-1500) with a diisocyanate, and reacting the resulting diisocyanate terminated prepolymer with an end group forming compound; (b) one or more monofunctional addition polymerizable monomers; and (c) a photoinitiator or mixture thereof. In preferred embodiments, the polyester diol is hydroxyl terminated ethylene adipate, the diisocyanate is TDI, and the end group forming compound is 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). The monofunctional monomer may be or include N-vinyl-pyrrolidone (NVP). The air barrier coating has high elongation, low modulus, good heat aging resistance and good adhesion to the tire in addition to low oxygen permeability.

Abstract: Tires having white sidewalls are very popular in the United States and Canada. Tires having white lettering thereon are also very popular. This invention discloses a process for preparing such tires having decorative appliques thereon. By practicing the process of this invention, tires having better uniformity can be built at lower costs than when standard tire building techniques are utilized. This invention specifically relates to a method of preparing a pneumatic rubber tire having a decorative design on the sidewall thereof which comprises (a) applying the decorative design to the sidewall of an uncured tire and (b) curing the tire; wherein the decorative design is comprised of from about 25 weight percent to about 75 weight percent syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene having a melting point which is within the range of about 100.degree. C. to about 160.degree. C.

Abstract: A tire has on its inner surface an elastomeric air barrier coating, which is formed by photocuring a compositioin comprising: (a) an end capped prepolymer (MW 2500-10,000) formed by reacting a polyester diol (MW750-1500) with a diisocyanate, and reacting the resulting diisocyanate terminated prepolymer with an end group forming compound; (b) one or more monofunctional addition polymerizable monomers; and (c) a photoinitiator or mixture thereof. In preferred embodiments, the polyester diol is hydroxyl terminated ethylene adipate, the diisocyanate is TDI, and the end group forming compound is 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylane (HEMA). The monofunctional monomer may be or include N-vinyl-pyrrolidone (NVP). The air barrier coating has high elongation, low modulus, good heat aging resistance and good adhesion to the tire in addition to low oxygen permeability.

Abstract: Thin walled thermoformed articles of partially crystallized polyethylene terephthalate containing a minor component of a polyolefin which exhibit improved impact resistance and high temperature dimensional stability are disclosed herein. A method for thermoforming such articles using polyethylene terephthalate/polyolefin blends which provides improved mold release is also revealed.

Abstract: A shaped article such as a container of polyalkylene terephthalate resin is described. The shaped article includes a body portion in which the resin has an average crystallinity of at least about 20 percent. The shaped article is provided with the flange which adjoins the body portion of the article. At least part of the flange has an average crystallinity less than that of the body portion and preferably of not more than about 10 percent. Process and apparatus which may be employed in the manufacture of such an article are also described.

Abstract: Thin walled thermoformed articles of partially crystallized polyethylene terephthalate containing a minor component of a polyolefin which exhibit improved impact resistance and high temperature dimensional stability. Method for thermoforming such articles using polyethylene terephthalate/polyolefin blends which give improved mold release.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for manufacturing a polyester container having good clarity and dimensional stability and which can be used in hot-fill food package manufacture and/or in making a container for reheating or heating the contents within. In particular, this process and apparatus is a deep stretch-forming technique for preparing biaxially oriented, heat set, sealable containers of high molecular weight polyethylene terephthalate. The process comprises deep drawing a preheated sheet of the polyester into a heated female cavity by means of a male plug. The part is heat set against the female cavity, and cooled against the male plug which is used as a constraint. The part is subsequently removed from the male plug.

Abstract: A shaped article such as a container of polyalkylene terephthalate resin is described. The shaped article includes a body portion in which the resin has an average crystallinity of at least about 20 percent. The shaped article is provided with the flange which adjoins the body portion of the article. At least part of the flange has an average crystallinity less than that of the body portion and preferably of not more than about 10 percent. Process and apparatus which may be employed in the manufacture of such an article are also described.