Patents by Inventor Ross W. Widenor

Ross W. Widenor has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 12377684
    Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire includes an annular inner ring, an annular outer ring, and a support structure extending from the annular inner ring to the annular outer ring. The support structure includes a multilayer structure. The multilayer structure includes a skim layer, a plurality of cords embedded in the skim layer, and an outer protective layer covering at least a portion of a surface of the skim layer. The outer protective layer has greater resistance to ozone exposure than the skim layer. Methods of making a non-pneumatic tire include forming a multilayer structure by applying an outer protective layer to at least a portion of a surface of a skim layer having a plurality of cords embedded in the skim layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2025
    Assignee: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
    Inventor: Ross W. Widenor
  • Patent number: 12337625
    Abstract: Processes for producing a sealant layer-tire inner liner combination as well as a sealant layer-containing tire and related processes involving the sealant layer-containing tire are disclosed. The sealant layer is adhered to the tire inner liner, has a thickness of 2-8 mm and comprises 100 parts of at least one rubber, 300-500 phr of at least one tackifier, optionally one or more extenders, optionally at least one hydroscopic substance, and a cure package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2025
    Assignee: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Brian S. Alexander, Bradley S. Plotner, Ross W. Widenor, Jared J. Griebel, Kung-Ching Liao
  • Patent number: 12285923
    Abstract: Methods for producing a polymer-containing coating upon a cured tire inner liner using a coating composition of specified composition are provided. Also provided are methods for producing a tire comprising a cured inner liner (with a polymer-containing coating upon its radially inward-facing surface) and at least one component positioned radially inward of the cured inner liner. Tires containing a cured inner liner (with a polymer-containing coating upon its radially inward-facing surface) and at least one component positioned radially inward of the cured inner liner are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Kung-Ching Liao, Jared J. Griebel, Brian S. Alexander, Jiansheng Tang, Bradley S. Plotner, Ross W. Widenor
  • Patent number: 12103338
    Abstract: A tire sealant layer comprising a rubber portion with an upper surface and a lower surface, and a barrier layer upon the lower surface of the rubber portion is disclosed. The rubber portion comprises a mixture of 100 parts of at least one rubber, 90-500 parts of at least one tackifier, optionally one or more extenders, optionally at least one hydroscopic substance, and a cure package. Also disclosed is a process for producing a sealant layer-tire inner liner combination as well as a sealant layer-containing tire and related processes involving the sealant layer-containing tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Jared J. Griebel, Kung-Ching Liao, Brian S. Alexander, Bradley S. Plotner, Ross W. Widenor
  • Publication number: 20240100792
    Abstract: Methods for producing a polymer-containing coating upon a cured tire inner liner using a coating composition of specified composition are provided. Also provided are methods for producing a tire comprising a cured inner liner (with a polymer-containing coating upon its radially inward-facing surface) and at least one component positioned radially inward of the cured inner liner. Tires containing a cured inner liner (with a polymer-containing coating upon its radially inward-facing surface) and at least one component positioned radially inward of the cured inner liner are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Kung-Ching Liao, Jared J. Griebel, Brian S. Alexander, Jiansheng Tang, Bradley S. Plotner, Ross W. Widenor
  • Publication number: 20230347609
    Abstract: Methods for treating a cured inner liner as well as treated, cured inner liners resulting from such methods are disclosed. Also disclosed are tires containing the treated inner liners. The methods include treatment of the lower surface of inner liner surface with a rubber-containing liquid to produce a rubber-containing film thereupon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Kung-Ching Liao, Jared J. Griebel, Brian S. Alexander, Bradley S. Plotner, Ross W. Widenor
  • Publication number: 20230347692
    Abstract: Processes for producing a sealant layer-tire inner liner combination as well as a sealant layer-containing tire and related processes involving the sealant layer-containing tire are disclosed. The sealant layer is adhered to the tire inner liner, has a thickness of 2-8 mm and comprises 100 parts of at least one rubber, 300-500 phr of at least one tackifier, optionally one or more extenders, optionally at least one hydroscopic substance, and a cure package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Brian S. Alexander, Bradley S. Plotner, Ross W. Widenor, Jared J. Griebel, Kung-Ching Liao
  • Patent number: 11794430
    Abstract: Methods for producing a polymer-containing coating upon a cured tire inner liner using a coating composition of specified composition are provided. Also provided are methods for producing a tire comprising a cured inner liner (with a polymer-containing coating upon its radially inward-facing surface) and at least one component positioned radially inward of the cured inner liner. Tires containing a cured inner liner (with a polymer-containing coating upon its radially inward-facing surface) and at least one component positioned radially inward of the cured inner liner are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Kung-Ching Liao, Jared J. Griebel, Brian S. Alexander, Jiansheng Tang, Bradley S. Plotner, Ross W. Widenor
  • Publication number: 20230271450
    Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire includes an annular inner ring, an annular outer ring, and a support structure positioned between the annular inner ring to the annular outer ring. The support structure includes a multilayer structure of a rubber skim layer and a cord embedded in the rubber skim layer. The rubber skim layer has resistance to ozone exposure without need for a protective layer overlying the rubber skim layer. The rubber skim layer exhibits adhesion to embedded metallic cords. Methods of making a non-pneumatic tire include forming a multilayer structure by applying a skin layer directly over one or more cords.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventor: Ross W. WIDENOR
  • Patent number: 11697260
    Abstract: Methods for treating a cured inner liner as well as treated, cured inner liners resulting from such methods are disclosed. Also disclosed are tires containing the treated inner liners. The methods include treatment of the lower surface of inner liner surface with a rubber-containing liquid to produce a rubber-containing film thereupon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Kung-Ching Liao, Jared J. Griebel, Brian S. Alexander, Bradley S. Plotner, Ross W. Widenor
  • Patent number: 11697306
    Abstract: Processes for producing a sealant layer-tire inner liner combination as well as a sealant layer-containing tire and related processes involving the sealant layer-containing tire are disclosed. The sealant layer is adhered to the tire inner liner, has a thickness of 2-8 mm and comprises 100 parts of at least one rubber, 90-500 phr of at least one tackifier, optionally one or more extenders, optionally at least one hydroscopic substance, and a cure package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Brian S. Alexander, Bradley S. Plotner, Ross W. Widenor, Jared J. Griebel, Kung-Ching Liao
  • Publication number: 20220371366
    Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire includes an annular inner ring, an annular outer ring, and a support structure extending from the annular inner ring to the annular outer ring. The support structure includes a multilayer structure. The multilayer structure includes a skim layer, a plurality of cords embedded in the skim layer, and an outer protective layer covering at least a portion of a surface of the skim layer. The outer protective layer has greater resistance to ozone exposure than the skim layer. Methods of making a non-pneumatic tire include forming a multilayer structure by applying an outer protective layer to at least a portion of a surface of a skim layer having a plurality of cords embedded in the skim layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventor: Ross W. Widenor
  • Publication number: 20210094365
    Abstract: A tire includes a body ply sheet having a rubber core defined by a top surface having a length and a width, a bottom surface having substantially the same length and width, and side surfaces having a common height. The body ply sheet includes reinforcement cords spaced 0.1-4.0 mm apart from each other and spanning the width of the body ply sheet. Bleeder cords are disposed on the body ply sheet and spaced are 8-12 cm apart from each other. Conductive cords are also disposed on the body ply and are spaced 20-80 cm apart from each other. At least one of the conductive cords has a first end and a second end, the first end being located in a region within a middle 80% of a width of the circumferential tread.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Russell A. MOSER, David J. ZEMLA, Amy M. RANDALL, Ross W. WIDENOR, Benjamin C. GALIZIO, Kathleen A. CLEMMER, Andrew J. SVENSON, Justin M. GEHRES, Ruben L. MADRID, Anup D. KHEKARE, Seth M. MILLER
  • Patent number: 10919263
    Abstract: A composite of a rubber layer and a polyurethane substrate are adhered together without the need for a separate adhesive layer. An adhesion-promoting composition incorporated into the rubber layer provides the means for adhereing the rubber layer to the polyurethane substrate. The adhered layered composition may be used in many applications including the construction of tires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
    Inventor: Ross W. Widenor
  • Patent number: 10894449
    Abstract: A tire includes a body ply sheet having a rubber core defined by a top surface having a length and a width, a bottom surface having substantially the same length and width, and side surfaces having a common height. The rubber core is further defined by a top rubber layer and a bottom rubber layer. The body ply sheet includes reinforcement cords disposed between the top rubber layer and the bottom rubber layer. The reinforcement cords are spaced 0.1-4.0 mm apart from each other and span the width of the body ply sheet. Bleeder cords are disposed on the body ply sheet and spaced 8-12 cm apart from each other. Conductive cords are also disposed on the body ply and spaced 20-80 cm apart from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Russell A. Moser, David J. Zemla, Amy M. Randall, Ross W. Widenor, Benjamin C. Galizio, Kathleen A. Clemmer, Andrew J. Svenson, Justin M. Gehres, Ruben L. Madrid, Anup D. Khekare, Seth M. Miller
  • Publication number: 20200061944
    Abstract: Methods for producing a polymer-containing coating upon a cured tire inner liner using a coating composition of specified composition are provided. Also provided are methods for producing a tire comprising a cured inner liner (with a polymer-containing coating upon its radially inward-facing surface) and at least one component positioned radially inward of the cured inner liner. Tires containing a cured inner liner (with a polymer-containing coating upon its radially inward-facing surface) and at least one component positioned radially inward of the cured inner liner are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Kung-Ching Liao, Jared J. Griebel, Brian S. Alexander, Jiansheng Tang, Bradley S. Plotner, Ross W. Widenor
  • Patent number: 10569600
    Abstract: An adhered composite includes (i) a polar thermoset substrate; (ii) optionally a primer layer disposed on the polar thermoset substrate; (iii) a first adhesive layer adhesively mated to the polar thermoset substrate, optionally with the primer layer disposed between the first adhesive layer and the polar thermoset substrate; (iv) a first layer of cured non-polar rubber adhesively mated to the first adhesive layer; (v) a second adhesive layer adhesively mated to the first layer of cured non-polar rubber; and (vi) a second layer of cured non-polar rubber forming an outer surface of the composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua P. Abell, Ross W. Widenor
  • Publication number: 20200009912
    Abstract: Methods for treating a cured inner liner as well as treated, cured inner liners resulting from such methods are disclosed. Also disclosed are tires containing the treated inner liners. The methods include treatment of the lower surface of inner liner surface with a rubber-containing liquid to produce a rubber-containing film thereupon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Kung-Ching Liao, Jared J. Griebel, Brian S. Alexander, Bradley S. Plotner, Ross W. Widenor
  • Publication number: 20190389256
    Abstract: A tire sealant layer comprising a rubber portion with an upper surface and a lower surface, and a barrier layer upon the lower surface of the rubber portion is disclosed. The rubber portion comprises a mixture of 100 parts of at least one rubber, 90-500 parts of at least one tackifier, optionally one or more extenders, optionally at least one hydroscopic substance, and a cure package. Also disclosed is a process for producing a sealant layer-tire inner liner combination as well as a sealant layer-containing tire and related processes involving the sealant layer-containing tire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Applicant: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Jared J. Griebel, Kung-Ching Liao, Brian S. Alexander, Bradley S. Plotner, Ross W. Widenor
  • Publication number: 20190291511
    Abstract: Processes for producing a sealant layer-tire inner liner combination as well as a sealant layer-containing tire and related processes involving the sealant layer-containing tire are disclosed. The sealant layer is adhered to the tire inner liner, has a thickness of 2-8 mm and comprises 100 parts of at least one rubber, 90-500 phr of at least one tackifier, optionally one or more extenders, optionally at least one hydroscopic substance, and a cure package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventors: Brian S. Alexander, Bradley S. Plotner, Ross W. Widenor, Jared J. Griebel, Kung-Ching Liao