Abstract: A seam is described wherein two sheets of material are bonded together to form one unified sheet. Edges of each sheet are stepped so that one side of an edge has a stepped portion and the opposite has a planar or flat surface. The planar or stepped surfaces of the two edges are joined together to form a seam in such a manner that the thickness of the seam is no greater than one and one half times the thickness of the sheet material. This is preferably used to form a longitudinal seam in a roll of sheet material.

Abstract: A second stage building drum assembly (10) mounted on a rotatable drive shaft (15) for the application of belts and the like to a carcass includes a drum (12) rotatably carried by the drive shaft (15) for mounting a carcass (143) and first and second belt guide ply rings (13 and 14) reciprocably movable with respect to the drum. Further provided are means (30) for reciprocably moving one side (32) of the drum (12) with respect to the other (33) and, means (22, 23 and 96) for moving the first and second belt guide ply rings into engagement with the drum (12) for the application of at least one belt (154) to a carcass (143) mounted thereon.

Abstract: A building drum assembly (10) mounted on a rotatable driveshaft (14) for the production of a cylindrical carcass (70) includes a drum (11) rotatably carried by the driveshaft (14) for receiving carcass material (60), a bead receiving area (16), means (53) for expanding the drum (11) and means (12 and 13) for turning carcass material (60) over a bead (64). Further provided are means (25 and 36) for the accurate positioning and securing of a bead (64) and means (24 and 25) for providing a substantially uniform and continuous support surface (19) for receiving the carcass material (60).A method is also provided for the operation of the assembly and includes the steps of rotating the drum (11), applying a carcass material (60) to the drum (11), placing a bead (64) over the bead receiving area (16), expanding the drum (11), securing the bead (64) and turning a carcass material (60) over the bead (64).

Abstract: Apparatus for building a raw edge V-belt carcass comprising, a drum about which differing plies of material are wrapped and about which a cord is helically wound. A servicer adapted to supply rubberized fabric is located adjacent the drum. A squeegee adapted to apply a gummy film mounted on a fabric liner is located adjacent the drum and has an applicator roll engageable with a partially formed carcass on the drum. A cord winder mechanism has a head mounted adjacent the drum and has a motor-driven screw for causing the head to move along the length of the drum. The screw motor is tied to the drum motor at a ratio which is infinitely adjustable within limits to vary the pitch of the cord as it is wound on the drum. The cord winder has a mechanism for detecting changes in the tension on the cord and for using that information to cause variations in the speed of a cord let-off roll so that the speed of the cord let-off roll matches the demand caused by the speed of the drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately positioning a tire in a tire uniformity machine. The apparatus includes two members axially movable relative to each other and adapted to mate to form an annular channel for the mounting of a tire, radially movable pawls mounted in one of the members, and a plunger in the other member operative to cam the pawls into engagement with the two members when brought together to lock the members together and prevent their separation during operation of the machine.