Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapid exchanging of calender rollers 350,352 for a calendering apparatus 302 is disclosed. The apparatus 302 has two or more generally cylindrical calender rollers 350,352 which are clamped and supported at each end by a rotatable support 314,316. A pair of the supports 314,316 are axially aligned and movable relative to the other axially aligned support. The method of exchanging rollers 350,352 includes the step of unclamping a roller 350 or 352 by increasing the spacing between the first and second rotatable supports 314,316, removing the roller 350,352, and clamping a different calender roller 350,352 between the first and second supports 314,316 by decreasing the spacing between them and engaging the respective ends of the different roller 350,352 with the first and second supports 314,316. This apparatus and method greatly facilitates rapid calender roller changeover and is particularly useful in the tire building art.

Abstract: An improved method for mounting an annular tread 1 onto a tire casing 2 is described. The improved method comprises the steps of expanding the tread 1 radially and encircling the expanded tread with a transfer mechanism 30. The transfer mechanism 30 has a means 90 for holding the lateral edges 5 of the tread 1 in the expanded condition independent of the center 6 of the tread 1. The means 90 for holding the lateral edges 5 of the tread 1 is accomplished without contacting the radially inner surface 7 of the tread 1. The transfer mechanism 30 has a means 92 for circumferentially clamping the central portion of the tread 1 to the casing 2. The transfer mechanism 30 with expanded tread 1 is centered over the casing 2. The means 92 for clamping the central portion 6 of the tread 1 is actuated while holding the lateral edges 5 of the tread 1 in the transfer mechanism 30.

Abstract: An improved method for mounting an annular tread 1 onto a tire casing 2 is described. The improved method comprises the steps of expanding the tread 1 radially and encircling the expanded tread with a transfer mechanism 30. The transfer mechanism 30 has a means 90 for holding the lateral edges 5 of the tread 1 in the expanded condition independent of the center 6 of the tread 1. The means 90 for holding the lateral edges 5 of the tread 1 is accomplished without contacting the radially inner surface 7 of the tread 1. The transfer mechanism 30 has a means 92 for circumferentially clamping the central portion of the tread 1 to the casing 2, The transfer mechanism 30 with expanded tread 1 is centered over the casing 2. The means 92 for clamping the central portion 6 of the tread 1 is actuated while holding the lateral edges 5 of the tread 1 in the transfer mechanism 30.

Abstract: Spacer segments (24) of various thicknesses are attached to radially movable master segments (14) of a transfer ring (16) for gripping and transferring tread belt packages of different diameters. The spacer segments (24) are of a resilient material and may have molded arm members (32) with flexible, resilient ribs (42) for engaging edge portions (46) of the master segments (14). Handles (70) may be provided on the arm members (32) for bending the arm members (32) to install and remove the spacer segments (24). Axial movement of the spacer segments (24) relative to the master segments (14) is limited by circumferentially extending raised edges (58,60,66,68) on the cylindrical mating surfaces (26,28) of the master segments (14) and the spacer segments (24).

Abstract: A dimming system for fluorescent tubes wherein counter electromotive forces generated during switch off of the tubes are used to maintain filaments of the fluorescent tubes heated during switch off periods of the tube, the dimming system having source terminals for connection to a source of power, the power having zero phases, load terminals for connection to the fluorescent tubes, a switch connected to the source terminals and to the load terminals for controlling the supply of power to the load terminals, a zero phase firing circuit connected to the switch for energizing the switch to supply power to the load terminals at the zero phases, a phase turn off circuit connected to the switch for deenergizing the switch to switch off power to the load terminals at phases of the power other than the zero phases, and a switch off filament heating control circuit connected to the switch for converting counter electromotive forces generated at switch off of the tube into power for supply to the filaments during switc

Abstract: A marking apparatus that is useful for marking a line upon a ridge protruding from a surface of a continuously passing elongated article is disclosed. A stylus member of the marking apparatus has a notch in its foot, through which the ridge on the article passes. A tracking arm member is pivotally attached to a bar member, and supports the stylus member, so that the stylus member can follow the track of the ridge even if the article wanders from side to side as it passes the marking apparatus. Marking fluid, stored in a reservoir, passes through a hollow tube and a bore through the stylus member which communicates with the notch in the foot of the stylus member.

Abstract: A method for mounting or installing on a tire building machine an annular inflatable bladder for use in turning or folding the edge of a ply disposed around the building drum about a bead ring or a fold line. The method employs a collapsible cylindrical form which can comprise a split cylindrical ring or a cylindrical array of strips placed inside the annular bladder, which form is expanded to permit its movement axially over the drum. The method enables the bladders to be placed or replaced on the drum without dismantling the drum and particularly without requiring that the drum be removed from the shaft on which it is mounted thereby reducing the time required for installation of the bladder and the out-of-service time of the building drum.

Abstract: An annular bladder providing both circumferential expansion and rolling movement normal to its circumference in response to inflation thereof, said bladder having a cylindrical outer wall extending between a forward edge and a rearward edge and being turned radially and axially inward at the respective edges, the bladder comprising a first and a second circumferential zone and in said outer wall a transition zone, said first zone extending in a forward direction from said transition zone, said second zone extending in a rearward direction from said transition zone, said first zone having greater resistance to circumferential elongation relative to the second zone and said second zone having lesser resistance to circumferential elongation relative to the first zone, said transition zone being located a predetermined distance forward of the rearward edge of said bladder when the same is uninflated.

Abstract: An inflatable bladder for a tire building drum is adapted for mounting snugly on a cylindrical drum extension which has a circumferential groove accommodating a non-inflatable elastic ring secured integrally to the bladder. The bladder inner wall has a flangeless port between two circumferential sealing ribs integral with the bladder wall. The port is in air-flow communication with a channel in the outer surface of the extension.