Abstract: This invention relates generally to an apparatus for rotationally casting a portion of a tire, and, more specifically, to an apparatus that has a floating alignment mechanism that allows a portion of a mold to move in the radial direction of the tire, which is at least partially formed by the mold, allowing the molding apparatus to omit the use of tie bars. The mechanism may comprise two set of needle roller bearings that are orthogonally arranged to allow radial movement of a portion of a mold.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to an apparatus for rotationally casting a portion of a tire, and, more specifically, to an apparatus that has a floating alignment mechanism that allows a portion of a mold to move in the radial direction of the tire, which it, at least; partially forms, allowing the molding apparatus to omit, the use of tie bars. The mechanism may comprise two set of needle roller bearings that are orthogonally arranged to allow radial movement of a portion of a mold.

Abstract: Molds for preparing a viscoelastic material for dynamic analysis that include mold sections that when closed in alignment define such elements as a specimen cavity having an open end and dimensioned to provide a sample of the viscoelastic material of a predetermined size. Other elements may include a support member holder adjacent to the open end of the specimen cavity and a fill channel in fluid communication between the specimen cavity and a fill port. The fill port is adapted for receiving a reactive mixture of the viscoelastic material to fill the specimen cavity, wherein the support member holder is adapted for securing a support member having a surface that seals the open end of the specimen cavity.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to shear band of a tire that has means for inducing buckling when the tire is subjected to high deformations, and, more specifically, to a tire that has a shear band with at least one membrane that has a reinforcement having predetermined configurations for controlling the buckling behavior of the reinforcement when the membrane is subjected to compressive stress.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to shear band of a tire that has means for inducing buckling when the tire is subjected to high deformations, and, more specifically, to a tire that has a shear band with at least one membrane that has a reinforcement having predetermined configurations for controlling the buckling behavior of the reinforcement when the membrane is subjected to compressive stress.