Abstract: A method for analyzing and controlling the formation of a green tire component by component on a target region of a curved build surface includes: measuring in three dimensions each component on the target region by rotating the build surface past at least one optical scanner. The optical scanner directs a sheet or a plurality of sheets of light against a target region of the rotating build surface; and measures component by component build-up on the target region surface for component dimensional, positional, and mass parameters. Component by component measurements are made in three-dimensions by rotation of the target regions through the optical sheets of light and feedback from component measurements may be used to correct for tire imbalance and uniformity anomalies on a real-time basis.

Abstract: A method for detecting ply wire anomalies in a tire carcass ply having a plurality of spaced apart ply wires extending across a tire carcass, the method comprising the steps: constructing a green tire carcass in a diametrically expanded toroidal configuration, the carcass comprising a pair of beads, the carcass ply extending from bead to bead, at least one crown layer covering the carcass ply and having a peripheral skirt region; and sidewalls covering the carcass ply and extending from the beads to the crown layer and having edge portions intersecting the crown layer; mounting a wire sensor apparatus proximal to the tire carcass ply, the wire sensor apparatus including a wire sensor for detecting the presence of a proximal ply wire; establishing relative movement between the wire sensor and the tire carcass whereby the plurality of spaced apart ply wires are sequentially placed into proximal relationship with the wire sensor; and generating sequential data from the wire sensor indicative of at least one ply

Abstract: A ply wire sensor system is provided for a tire carcass ply in a green tire carcass having a toroidal shape, the tire carcass ply having a plurality of spaced apart ply wires extending across the toroidal shape. The sensor system includes a wire sensor mounted in close proximity with the tire carcass ply, the wire sensor detecting the presence of a proximal ply wire; and means for establishing relative movement between the wire sensor and the tire carcass whereby the plurality of spaced apart ply wires are sequentially placed into proximity with the wire sensor. The wire sensor generates sequential data indicative of at least one ply wire parameter of the plurality of spaced apart ply wires.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for predicting tire uniformity, preferably a harmonic component of force variation (radial, lateral, or tangential) for a production tire operating at a high speed, and also method and apparatus for manufacturing tires and controlling the manufacturing of tires in response to quality control based on a comparison of a production tire's predicted uniformity versus predetermined criteria. A production tire's predicted tire uniformity is determined by a calculation using a prediction curve with parameters which are determined for the production tire by collecting measurement data for the production tire using a factory floor tire uniformity machine operated at a plurality of intermediate test speeds, and then fitting the prediction curve to the measurement data, preferably using a least squares curve fitting process. Higher speed measurements are optionally given greater weight in the curve fitting process as compared to lower speed measurements.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for predicting tire uniformity, preferably a harmonic component of force variation (radial, lateral, or tangential) for a production tire operating at a high speed, and also method and apparatus for manufacturing tires and controlling the manufacturing of tires in response to quality control based on a comparison of a production tire's predicted uniformity versus predetermined criteria. A production tire's predicted tire uniformity is determined by a calculation using a prediction curve with parameters which are determined for the production tire by collecting measurement data for the production tire using a factory floor tire uniformity machine operated at a plurality of intermediate test speeds, and then fitting the prediction curve to the measurement data, preferably using a least squares curve fitting process. Higher speed measurements are optionally given greater weight in the curve fitting process as compared to lower speed measurements.