Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting deflection in a pneumatic tire (10) includes a light source which is transmitted by a transmission line (15,17) to a position internally of the tire (10). The light is reflected off an internal surface of the tire (10) and transmitted to an electronic circuit (25) by a second transmission line (19,21). An alarm (29) will alert the operator of the vehicle of undue tire deflection and, in addition, a visual display (31) can provide the operator with an instantaneous indication of tire deflection.

Abstract: Heat transfer through a pneumatic tire being cured is simulated using a linear or two-dimensional network of resistors and capacitors. Voltages are provided by thermocouples to each end of the network, the quantity of each voltage corresponding to the internal and external temperature of the tire in the curing mold. The temperature at any point within the tire can be determined by tapping off the voltage at the corresponding point along or within the network. This voltage can then be processed to calculate an equivalent cure factor and can also be utilized to open the curing press when a desired curing state is reached at the internal point being monitored. The apparatus in addition to being used in conjunction with an actual tire cure can also be used in the laboratory where voltages can be imposed to represent hypothetical cure temperature conditions.