Abstract: Methods and systems for improving tire uniformity through identification of uniformity attributes, such as process harmonics are provided. More particularly, uniformity measurements acquired according to a non-uniform sampling pattern can be obtained and analyzed to estimate one or more process harmonics (e.g. the magnitude of the process harmonic). The non-uniform sampling pattern can specify the acquisition of uniformity measurements in a varying or irregular manner about one or more revolutions of the tire. For instance, the non-uniform sampling pattern can specify a random spacing between data points. The uniformity attributes estimated from the uniformity measurements can be used to modify the manufacture of tires to improve tire uniformity.

Abstract: A solenoid valve has a housing defining a first axis and second axis, a solenoid which produces a magnetic field along the first axis, a valve shaft movable between a first position and a second position along the second axis, and a manifold mounted to the housing. The valve shaft is biased toward the first position by a spring and mechanical forces sufficient to overcome the force of the spring are transferred from the solenoid to the shaft by a lever to displace the shaft to its second position. A poppet seal affixed to the shaft, which interacts with a portion of the housing to close an outlet port in the housing, and a spool seal, also affixed to the shaft which interacts with a wall of the manifold defining an exhaust port to route fluid to the desired port. An electronic circuit controls delivery of current to the solenoid to shift and hold the shaft in the second position.

Abstract: A solenoid valve has a housing defining a first axis and second axis, a solenoid which produces a magnetic field along the first axis, a valve shaft movable between a first position and a second position along the second axis, and a manifold mounted to the housing. The valve shaft is biased toward the first position by a spring and mechanical forces sufficient to overcome the force of the spring are transferred from the solenoid to the shaft by a lever to displace the shaft to its second position. A poppet seal affixed to the shaft, which interacts with a portion of the housing to close an outlet port in the housing, and a spool seal, also affixed to the shaft which interacts with a wall of the manifold defining an exhaust port to route fluid to the desired port. An electronic circuit controls delivery of current to the solenoid to shift and hold the shaft in the second position.

Abstract: A solenoid valve has a housing defining a first axis and second axis, a solenoid which produces a magnetic field along the first axis, a valve shaft movable between open and closed positions along the second axis, and a manifold mounted to the housing. The shaft is biased toward the closed position by a spring and mechanical forces sufficient to overcome the force of the spring are transferred from the solenoid to the shaft by a lever to displace the shaft and then hold a first poppet valve open. The first poppet valve, which interacts with a portion of the housing to close the first valve, and a second poppet valve, which interacts with portions of the manifold to route fluid to the desired port, are mounted to the shaft. An electronic circuit controls delivery of current to the solenoid to shift and hold the shaft in the open position.

Abstract: Setup, monitoring and control of various field devices are provided using a general purpose, off-the-shelf mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet computer adapted by an application program to communicate using the Bluetooth communications protocol with communications and control modules attached to the field devices.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving tire uniformity through identification of uniformity attributes, such as process harmonics are provided. More particularly, uniformity measurements acquired according to a non-uniform sampling pattern can be obtained and analyzed to estimate one or more process harmonics (e.g. the magnitude of the process harmonic). The non-uniform sampling pattern can specify the acquisition of uniformity measurements in a varying or irregular manner about one or more revolutions of the tire. For instance, the non-uniform sampling pattern can specify a random spacing between data points. The uniformity attributes estimated from the uniformity measurements can be used to modify the manufacture of tires to improve tire uniformity.

Abstract: A solenoid valve has a housing defining a first axis and second axis, a solenoid which produces a magnetic field along the first axis, a valve shaft movable between open and closed positions along the second axis, and a manifold mounted to the housing. The axis is biased toward the closed position by a spring and mechanical forces sufficient to overcome the force of the spring are transferred from the solenoid to the shaft by a lever to open the valve and then hold the valve open. A poppet seal, which interacts with a portion of the housing to close the valve, and a spool seal, which interacts with portions of the manifold to route fluid to the desired port, are mounted to the shaft. An electronic circuit controls delivery of current to the solenoid to shift and hold the shaft in the open position.

Abstract: A solenoid actuator includes an electrical circuit with a first power input terminal, a second power input terminal, a first coil wound around a first axis and configured to generate a first magnetic field while electrical current flows through the first coil, and a second coil wound around a second axis configured to generate a second magnetic field while electrical current flows through the second coil. An electric switch connects or disconnects the first coil and second coil in series or parallel. Thus, the electric switch can energize or de-energize the second coil. A movable member, such as a rod, bar, spool, or hollow tube, influenced by the magnetic fields generated by the first and second coils is configured to move with respect to the first and second coils from a first position to a second position in response to the magnetic field generated by the first coil.

Abstract: A solenoid actuator includes an electrical circuit with a first power input terminal, a second power input terminal, a first coil wound around a first axis and configured to generate a first magnetic field while electrical current flows through the first coil, and a second coil wound around a second axis configured to generate a second magnetic field while electrical current flows through the second coil. An electric switch connects or disconnects the first coil and second coil in series. Thus, the electric switch can energize or de-energize the second coil. A movable member, such as a rod, bar, spool, or hollow tube, influenced by the magnetic fields generated by the first and second coils is configured to move with respect to the first and second coils from a first position to a second position in response to the magnetic field generated by the first coil.

Abstract: A device for controlling a valve rotary actuator and communicating information regarding the valve rotary actuator, including a non-contact sensor which monitors, through a continuous range of rotation, the rotational position of a rotating unit connected to the valve rotary actuator, a main housing including a pneumatic valve body integrally formed with the main housing, the pneumatic valve body accommodating a valve spool, a sensor housing which supports the non-contact sensor and is connected to the main housing, and a manifold including a pathway in fluid communication with the pneumatic valve body.