Abstract: A machine for testing the uniformity of tires. The machine comprises: a test spindle configured to receive a rim supporting a tire; an index table having a pair of index spindles; indexing means to rotate the index table whereby the index spindles may move a tire between an operator loading station and an index station; a loader robot adapted to move between the test spindle and the index station for transporting therebetween a tire; a roadwheel movable between a retracted position out of contact with a tire and an advanced position in driving contact with a test tire; motor means to rotate the roadwheel while in its advanced position; and transducer means coupled to the test spindle to determine vibrations of the test tire when rotated by the roadwheel as caused by non-uniformities within the tire. Also disclosed is a method for testing tires as with the disclosed machine.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire having a tread design for reducing the amount of noise generated by the tire when rolled on a given surface, is disclosed. The tread comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced lugs defining therebetween respective grooves, the lugs all being substantially similar to one another in configuration. Each of the lugs and its corresponding groove adjacent thereto in a given circumferential direction together defining a pitch of specified length which circumferentially is dimensionally identical to the pitch of certain others of the lugs and their corresponding grooves and is yet dimensionally different from the pitch of still others of the lugs and their corresponding grooves.