Patents Issued in May 4, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170120652
    Abstract: A method for transferring an image to a fabric, including providing a recording medium; coating the recording medium with a specialty coating including a silicone release agent, a silicone emulsion catalyst, and a binder; printing an image on the recording medium including the specialty coating, the image being printed using a sublimation ink; adhering a powder adhesive to the image printed on the recording medium while the image is in a wet state; transferring the recording medium including powder adhesive and image to the fabric; and hot-pressing the powder adhesive and image to the fabric to adhere the powder adhesive and image to the fabric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Rodney Croes, Marko Jukic
  • Publication number: 20170120653
    Abstract: A thermal transfer image receiving sheet including a substrate having a surface, a heat-insulating layer formed on the surface, an undercoat layer formed on the heat-insulating layer, and a dye-receiving layer formed on the undercoat layer. The undercoat layer includes as a main component a polycondensate made from i) at least one of an alkoxide, a hydrolyzate of an alkoxide, and tin chloride, ii) a water-soluble polymer, iii) a vinyl pyrrolidone-vinyl imidazole copolymer, and iv) a urethane resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro MIYAUCHI
  • Publication number: 20170120654
    Abstract: An image recording medium includes an image supporting member that has a ruggedness on a surface and has a surface roughness Rz of 3 ?m or more, an image receiving layer that includes a first thermoplastic resin having a glass transition temperature of 60° C. or more and a second thermoplastic resin having a glass transition temperature of 15° C. or less, and a transparent supporting member, in this order, wherein an image formed of an image forming material is provided between the image supporting member and the image receiving layer and a ruggedness corresponding to the ruggedness of the image supporting member is formed on an outermost surface of the image recording medium on a side of the transparent supporting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoo KOBAYASHI, Kaoru TORIKOSHI
  • Publication number: 20170120655
    Abstract: A printable substrate, along with methods of its formation, is generally provided. The printable coating can include a base sheet defining a first surface and a second surface and a printable coating on the first surface of the base sheet. The base sheet can be constructed from a cellulosic nonwoven web and a saturant. The printable coating can include a plurality of inorganic microparticles and a crosslinked material, where the crosslinked material is formed from a crosslinkable polymeric binder and a crosslinking agent. An image can be formed on the printable substrate, such as by printing an ink composition onto the printable substrate (e.g., onto the printable coating).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Cheryl B. Rueckert, Aaron Jacobson, Abdu Bunch, Steven L. Vervacke
  • Publication number: 20170120656
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment includes a feeder unit that stores a sheet on which no image is formed. A printer device forms an image on the sheet stored by the feeder unit. An erasing apparatus is connectably and detachably attached to the image forming apparatus. The erasing apparatus includes a first sheet stack that stores an unerased sheet on which an image is formed and an erasing device that erases the image formed on the unerased sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Isao YAHATA, Ken Iguchi, Naofumi Soga
  • Publication number: 20170120657
    Abstract: An image erasing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a scanner that reads an image printed on a sheet with decolorable colorant, the image including a first owner information. A decoloring unit decolors the image printed on the sheet. An input device receives a second owner information. A controller identifies the first owner information included in the image read by the scanner, and determines whether the first owner information corresponds to the second owner information. Based on the determination, the controller selectively controls the decoloring unit to decolor the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Shoh KONAGAYA
  • Publication number: 20170120658
    Abstract: Dry, ablation-type, nitrocellulose-containing lithographic printing members include dual adjacent imaging layers, both including an absorber and at least one containing a binder (which may include or consist essentially of a melamine resin). The absorber of the nitrocellulose-containing layer is a pigment and this layer contains no absorbing dye, while the absorber of the other imaging layer includes or consists essentially of a dye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Travis SOFTIC
  • Publication number: 20170120659
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to various embodiments of a greeting card having at least one motor attached to a mechanism which causes movement to a mobile object and one or more attachments suspended from the mobile object. The mobile object may be a circular disc, a string or a swing structure. Each mobile object contains one or more attachments either attached directly thereto or suspended therefrom via a string or line. The motor may effect various movements in the mobile object such as circular motion, back-and-forth motion or bouncing or vibrating motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Allison Marsh, Nicole Forrester
  • Publication number: 20170120660
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to various embodiments of a greeting card having at least one motor attached to a mechanism which causes movement to a mobile object and one or more attachments suspended from the mobile object. The mobile object may be a circular disc, a string or a swing structure. Each mobile object contains one or more attachments either attached directly thereto or suspended therefrom via a string or line. The motor may effect various movements in the mobile object such as circular motion, back-and-forth motion or bouncing or vibrating motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Charlotte Mao
  • Publication number: 20170120661
    Abstract: A stored value card is shown. In one example a scratch off coating is disposed over a code on a stored value card. A color of the scratch off coating substantially matches a printed colored block located adjacent to the code. In one example, the scratch off coating and the printed colored block include colors other than grey. Assorted scratch off coating and printed color block colors may be used within a given number of cards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: David Milne
  • Publication number: 20170120662
    Abstract: A laser markable material includes a laser markable layer, present as a self-supporting layer or as a layer on a support, the laser markable layer including an infrared absorbing dye and an infrared absorbing pigment, characterized in that the amount of the infrared absorbing pigment is between 10 ppm and 1000 ppm relative to the total dry weight of the laser markable layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Dirk KOKKELENBERG, Marin STEENACKERS, Peter BRIES
  • Publication number: 20170120663
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a multilayer data medium having reflecting metallised inscriptions (23) visible from at least one outer surface (11). A basic pattern (24) is imprinted onto a transparent impression layer (21), the pattern being selected so as to be able to receive the inscriptions (23), to be transparent and to have a surface tension of more than 40 dynes/cm and a smooth surface condition with specular reflection of more than 50% measured according to the ISO 2813 standard at an angle of 60°, and no glass-transition temperature in the rolling temperature range; then the inscriptions (23) are imprinted in contact with the basic pattern (24), and then hot rolling under pressure of a stack including the impression layer (21) is carried out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: FASVER
    Inventors: Eric PHILIPPE, Laurence BES, Anthony GALLO
  • Publication number: 20170120664
    Abstract: A binder clip includes a generally triangular clamp, a catch arm, and a hook arm. The catch arm includes a linear segment having a catch width, and the hook arm includes a hook configured for secure but releasable connection around the linear segment of a matching binder clip. The hook has a hook width less than the catch width of the linear segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Jeff Klein
  • Publication number: 20170120665
    Abstract: A scrapbook system is disclosed. The scrapbook system includes a pair of covers an intermediate panel connecting the pair of pivotable covers, a stack of plural pages and a plurality of disks releasably mounting the pages on the disks between the covers. Each of the disks is circular and has a generally planar central section and an enlarged peripheral rim. The covers are pivotally connected to each other by an intermediate member. The disks are concealed from the outside of the scrapbook system when the covers are closed by means of a cover. At least some of the pages include at least one pocket for receipt of a keepsake item, with portions of at least some of the pages being transparent to enable one to view a keepsake item located in the pocket through the transparent portion of the page.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Ronald Koeppel, Richard P. Koeppel
  • Publication number: 20170120666
    Abstract: An add-on pocket affixable to a folder or a stair-step, expandable file folder or other product with a front face is disclosed. The add-on pocket has a portion which is affixed to the front on the folder and a flap portion which wraps over the front. The remainder of the pocket is formed from a bottom portion and front portion which includes retaining tabs. The tabs mate to form the sidewalls of the pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Glenda Young, Daniel Seleski
  • Publication number: 20170120667
    Abstract: Adjustable rods for use in a filing system are disclosed. An example rod includes an elongated body having a first end and a second end, a first hook extending from the first end, and a second hook extending from the second end. In addition, the example rod includes a first resilient member having a first length. The first hook is coupled to the elongated body via the first resilient member, and the first length of the first resilient member is automatically adjustable during movement of the rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Andrew Goodfellow, David Gruza, Christopher Holman, Candie Harris, Braden Jones
  • Publication number: 20170120668
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rear case for an electronic device, which can express a design characteristic of a metal texture without interrupting an electromagnetic signal. The rear case provided on the rear surface of the electronic device comprises: a transparent substrate disposed on the rear surface of the electronic device; and a metal decoration made of a metallic material and provided on one surface of the transparent substrate, wherein the metal decoration includes a plurality of metal thin-film figures electrically insulated from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Chul PARK
  • Publication number: 20170120669
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle rim that has a three-dimensional design molded onto it. The designs include various themes, colors, and patterns to meet a person's style requirement. The vehicle rim may have a single design, or combinations of designs. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle rim is indented on the location where designs are molded so that the designs do not lie outside the outer plane of a tire. The present invention also provides a system and method that enable users to design and purchase vehicle rim made to their specification. The user can chose a design suiting their style and personality from different varieties shown in the GUI.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Joel D. Beasley
  • Publication number: 20170120670
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for preventing the theft of tires and rims on automobiles. The anti-theft device may be secured over the rim of an automobile so that the anti-theft device is secure and covers the lug nuts of the wheel. The anti-theft device prevents access to the lug nuts and thus prevents the lug nuts and consequently the wheel from being removed. The anti-theft device may include a housing, security cables, a locking mechanism, and a lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: David A. Patterson, Donald Anthony Muntner, Christopher Scott Kudika, James Noah McNeely
  • Publication number: 20170120671
    Abstract: A shear band that may be used e.g., in a non-pneumatic tire is provided. The shear band uses interlaced reinforcing elements positioned within a shear layer of elastomeric material. A variety of configurations may be used to create the interlaced positioning of the reinforcing elements including e.g., a horizontal diamond or vertical diamond configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Kevin Corbett MILES, Steven M CRON
  • Publication number: 20170120672
    Abstract: A transformable wheel and method of transforming a wheel between open and closed positions. An exemplary transformable wheel may include a plurality of wheel segments (legs), including at least one passive leg and at least one active leg. The active leg(s) is actuated by a powered active leg transformation mechanism, while the passive leg(s) is actuated by a passive leg actuation mechanism that employs an elastic element, spring, or other passive actuator to automatically move the passive leg(s) toward the current position of the active leg(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Carter Hurd
  • Publication number: 20170120673
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel (1) allows a communication hole (18a) for a first Helmholtz resonator (auxiliary air chamber members (10a, 10d)) having a lower resonance frequency than that of an air column resonance sound of a tire and a communication hole (18a) for a second Helmholtz resonator (auxiliary air chamber members (10b, 10c)) having a higher resonance frequency than that of the air column resonance sound of the tire to be disposed at positions facing each other across a wheel rotation center (Ax).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Youichi KAMIYAMA
  • Publication number: 20170120674
    Abstract: An axle depends from a heavy-duty vehicle. Each one of a pair of wheel end assemblies is mounted on a respective one of the ends of the axle. Each wheel end assembly includes a pair of bearings mounted on a spindle of the axle, and a wheel hub rotatably mounted on the bearings. A cavity is formed in the wheel end assembly between the bearings. A port is formed in the wheel hub and extends axially inwardly from an outboard end to a lubricant cavity of the hub, and angles radially inwardly from the outboard end to the lubricant cavity at an angle relative to an axial centerline of the hub. Lubricant for the bearings is introduced into the cavity by means of the port, and the port is tapped to receive a plug to seal it and contain the lubricant in the cavity. The port also provides a visual indicator if there is a leakage of semi-fluid grease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Jay D. White
  • Publication number: 20170120675
    Abstract: An axle assembly having a preload bolt. The preload bolt may couple an output flange that may be supported by a roller bearing assembly to a planet carrier. A preload force may be exerted on the roller bearing assembly when the preload bolt is tightened to the planet carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: I-Chao Chung
  • Publication number: 20170120676
    Abstract: An axle assembly having a planetary gear set and an internal brake assembly. The brake assembly may have a piston that may be disposed between a disc pack and the planetary gear set. Rotation of a sun gear of the planetary gear set may be inhibited when the piston urges the disc pack against a flange of an axle housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: I-Chao Chung
  • Publication number: 20170120677
    Abstract: A rear axle case of an agricultural work vehicle and a rear axle assembly including the same. The rear axle case of an agricultural work vehicle includes: a rear axle cover, having a hollow pipe shape, for surrounding a rear axle; a reduction gear cover unitarily provided at the side of the rear axle cover; a differential axle cover integrally formed at the front end of the reduction gear cover so as to cover a differential axle extending to the outside of a rear differential case; and a brake unit cover unitarily provided at an opening of the differential axle cover in a form in which one side opening of the differential axle cover is covered, such that a space in which a multi-disk brake unit can be provided is formed between the brake unit cover and the rear differential case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Dong Wook PARK, Jae Hong LEE
  • Publication number: 20170120678
    Abstract: Expanded rubber articles (11) and processes for making such, comprising: partially curing an expandable rubber formulation (2) by heating it in a first mould cavity (1) to form a moulded blank (3); releasing the moulded blank (3) from the first mould cavity (1) and allowing the moulded blank (5) to expand to form an expanded moulded blank (4); and further curing and expanding the expanded moulded blank (4) by heating it to form the expanded rubber article (11) comprising an expanded rubber part (6), wherein the expanded moulded blank (4) is heated in a second mould cavity (5). Optionally, the expanded moulded blank (4) is contacted with a further rubber formulation (7) and a substrate comprising a base material (9) and an elastomer bonding layer (8) in the second mould cavity (5) to form an expanded rubber article additionally comprising a solid rubber part (10) and a substrate (8, 9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Richard ADAMS
  • Publication number: 20170120679
    Abstract: A wheel assembly, a wheeled device and a method of manufacturing a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly includes a core and an outer portion coupled to the core. The core includes a body and one or more projections extending from the body. Material of the outer portion may be positioned radially between the body and a portion of the projection to limit radial movement of the outer portion relative to the core. The projection may define a bore and/or an undercut. Material of the outer portion may encompass the projection and fill the bore and/or the undercut. Engagement of the material of the outer portion and the projection(s) may limit relative movement between the core and the outer portion radially, axially, circumferentially, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Matthew W. Naiva
  • Publication number: 20170120680
    Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire (1) includes an attachment body attached to an axle, a ring-shaped body (13) configured to surround the attachment body from the outside in a tire radial direction, a connecting member (15) configured to connect the attachment body and the ring-shaped body while allowing displacement therebetween, and a cylindrical tread member (16) installed outside the ring-shaped body, wherein an outer circumferential surface of the tread member has a plurality of curved surface sections (41) to (42) that are continuously formed in a tire width direction (H) with no step difference and formed in a shape protruding outward in the tire radial direction when seen in a cross-sectional view in the tire width direction, the plurality of curved surface sections have different radii of curvature in the tire width direction when seen in the cross-sectional view, and in the plurality of curved surface sections, and intermediate curved surface sections (42) disposed between a central curved surface section (41) d
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Narumi TAKAHASHI, Akihiko ABE
  • Publication number: 20170120681
    Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire includes: a ring member (14) including an inner cylinder (12) externally covering an attachment body (11) to be attached to an axle and an outer cylinder (13) surrounding the inner cylinder (12) from a tire radial outer side; a plurality of connecting members (15) arranged along a tire circumferential direction between the inner cylinder (12) and the outer cylinder (13) and connecting the two cylinders to each other; and a tread member (16) made of vulcanized rubber and located on a tire radial outer side of the outer cylinder (13), wherein at least one part of the outer cylinder (13) and the plurality of connecting members (15) are integrally formed of a synthetic resin material, and an adhesion layer (25) containing a cyanoacrylate-based adhesive agent is located between the tread member (16) and the outer cylinder (13) having an amino group in a surface thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinichi TOYOSAWA
  • Publication number: 20170120682
    Abstract: Tire comprising a crown reinforcement comprising two working crown layers having unequal axial widths. Layer C of rubber compound is placed between ends of the working crown layers. Second layer S of polymer compound is in contact with at least one working crown layer and the carcass reinforcement, which comprises a layer of circumferential reinforcing elements arranged radially between two working crown layers. Distance d between the end of the axially narrowest working layer and the working layer separated from it by layer C is 1.1ø<d<2.2ø, ø being the diameter of the reinforcing elements, in a meridian plane. Second layer S is made up of a filled elastomer blend having a macro dispersion coefficient Z?65 and a maximum tan(?) value less than 0.100. Its complex dynamic shear modulus G*, measured at 10% and 60° C. on the return cycle is greater than 1.35 MPa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Hichem REHAB, Nathalie SALGUES, Jacques BESSON
  • Publication number: 20170120683
    Abstract: A tread portion of a pneumatic tire has a main groove continuously extending in a tire circumferential direction, a sub main groove extending sideward from a center side in a tire width direction, and a communicating portion making the main groove and the sub main groove communicate with each other. The communicating portion is formed such that a section area of the communicating portion is gradually decreased as the communicating portion extends toward the main groove from the sub main groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: TOYO TIRE & RUBBER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshiki Sato
  • Publication number: 20170120684
    Abstract: A tire having V-shaped lug grooves displays both improved grip performance on snow and anti-hydroplaning performance. To that end, an absolute value of difference between a lug groove diagonal angle (?LG), which is an angle of diagonal lug grooves (13) in a tread (11) surface with respect to a tire axial direction, and a profile line diagonal angle (?FP), which is an angle of a normal line of a leading-end profile line of a contact patch shape of the tire (10) with respect to the tire axial direction, is set to 0° or more and 60° or less at respective positions in the tire axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinsaku KATAYAMA, Yoshio KAJI, Takayuki KURATA
  • Publication number: 20170120685
    Abstract: In this pneumatic tire, width direction sipes (9) on one side in the tread circumferential direction are shifted in position in a central land portion row (3a) and intermediate land portion rows (3b1, 3b2), first and second width direction grooves (4a, 4b) and the width direction sipes (9) on the one side are shifted in position in the tread circumferential direction in the central land portion row (3a), minute blocks (9a) in the central land portion row (3a) are aligned in position in the tread circumferential direction with minute blocks (9a) or third width direction grooves (4c1, 4c2) in the intermediate land portion rows (3b1, 3b2), and fifth width direction grooves (10a, 10b) and width direction shallow grooves (11a, 11b) are aligned in position in the tread circumferential direction with fourth width direction grooves (4d1, 4d2) or minute blocks (9a) in the intermediate land portion rows (3b1, 3b2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Naohiro HAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20170120686
    Abstract: A tire includes a pair of sidewalls and a circumferential tread having a zigzag circumferential groove. The zigzag circumferential groove is defined by a groove bottom, a pair of groove walls, and a pair of groove edges defining an intersection between each groove wall and a top surface of the circumferential tread, wherein each of the groove edges smoothly widens and narrows along the groove. The circumferential tread has a first circumferential pitch with first and second circumferential pitch lengths. The first circumferential pitch includes a first zigzag circumferential groove segment and a second zigzag circumferential groove segment that form a first intersection angle. The second circumferential pitch includes a third zigzag circumferential groove segment and a fourth zigzag circumferential groove segment that form a second intersection angle different from the first intersection angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Aleksandr Ian SHMAGRANOFF, David M. Severyn, Todd A. Buxton, Andrew D. Cerny, Stephen T. Miranda
  • Publication number: 20170120687
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a tread portion provided with central blocks on both sides of a tire equator. Each of the central blocks includes a ground contact surface with an axially outer block edge and an outer block sidewall extending radially inwardly from the outer block edge. Each outer block edge includes a first inclined edge and a second inclined edge in an opposite inclination direction to the first inclined edge. The first inclined edge has an average angle of from 75 to 85 degrees and the second inclined edge has an average angle of from 30 to 50 degrees, with respect to the axial direction of the tire. Each outer block sidewall includes a middle portion and a pair of end portions, wherein the middle portion is inclined gently with respect to the end portions in relation to a radial direction of the tire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Renya OKAWARA
  • Publication number: 20170120688
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes an inclined groove disposed in a first land portion and/or a second land portion which includes at least two bent portions. A sipe is disposed in the first land portion and/or the second land portion so as to intersect the inclined groove at 90°±30°. The sipe includes at least one bent portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Takahisa Murata
  • Publication number: 20170120689
    Abstract: There is provided a pneumatic tire which exhibits excellent durability while improving driving comfort. A pneumatic tire includes: a buttress portion; and a plurality of circumferential grooves formed on the buttress portion and extending in a tire circumferential direction. A ridge extending in the tire circumferential direction is formed in each of the plurality of circumferential grooves. A length of the ridge is not smaller than 50% of a length of the circumferential groove in the tire circumferential direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: TOYO TIRE & RUBBER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshiki Sato
  • Publication number: 20170120690
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a rib formed in a center region of a tread portion and extending continuously in a tire circumferential direction. The rib has a plurality of respective recessed portions disposed along the tire circumferential direction at a center portion thereof. A bottom surface of each of the plurality of recessed portions is formed of a pair of inclined surfaces respectively deepened toward both sides. A groove portion extending in a tire width direction toward a kicking-out side in the tire circumferential direction is configured to communicate with one side of the recessed portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: TOYO TIRE & RUBBER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Toshihiko Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20170120691
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a tread portion provided with at least one block and a groove adjacent the at least one block. The at least one block includes a main portion with a ground contact surface for coming into contact with a ground and an auxiliary portion located radially inward of the ground contact surface of the main portion and protruding laterally from the main portion. The auxiliary portion includes a first portion extending along in a longitudinal direction of the groove and at least two second portions located radially outward of the first portion and arranged separately from one another in the longitudinal direction of the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi ARAI
  • Publication number: 20170120692
    Abstract: The tread has circumferential grooves delimiting intermediate and edge parts and formed so as to be present at least until a tread wear limit is reached. The tread also having a tread surface with at least one tread wear indicator formed in a circumferential groove. The tread comprising on its edge regions a plurality of transverse cuts that have depths suited to be present down to the tread wear limit. Each transverse cut is formed of a first part opening onto the tread surface when new and extending towards the inside of the tread by a void part forming a channel of mean width greater than a mean width of the groove. The channel forms a new transverse groove after a predetermined amount of part wear. A cross section of each channel increases when progressing along the cut axially from the inside towards the outside of the tread.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicants: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE, S.A.
    Inventors: Benoit DURAND-GASSELIN, Matthieu BONNAMOUR
  • Publication number: 20170120693
    Abstract: The pneumatic tire has a carcass ply and a tread part. The carcass ply includes a main body ply reaching from a tread part to a bead core, and a folded ply folded around the bead core. An end part of the folded ply extends to a height position beyond a tire maximum width position. A bead filler height is within the range of 20-60% of the tire sectional height. A bead filler width at a height position corresponding to 30% of the tire sectional height is no greater than 40% of the bead filler root width. A tread width is at least 81% of a tire maximum width, and a curvature radius of the carcass ply at an extension line extending in a tread width direction and passing the tire maximum width position in a cross section in the direction of tire width is at least 30 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hisashi TANIGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20170120694
    Abstract: A tire with puncture-proof spare tire structure is provided. The structure forms a spare tire assembly that can be assembled rapidly and adapted to various tire types by being finely tuned. A tire using the spare tire structure is puncture-proof such that when punctured by sharp articles or knifes, the tire can still work to make safe arrival at a nearby repair workshop. This saves a car driver who has a damaged tire from the trouble of shoving the car and from the danger of endangering his/her life, in turn ensuring the public traffic safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: SHUT CHEN HSU
  • Publication number: 20170120695
    Abstract: An air supply system on a vehicle having a tire. The system includes a compressor having a supply mode for supplying air to a consumer connected to the compressor. The consumer is provided with a reservoir and the compressor switches to an idle mode when the pressure of the reservoir attains a first predetermined reservoir pressure. During a supply period when the consumer is supplied with air from the compressor, the pressure of at least one tire is measured and prior to a subsequent tire pressure measurement, air is discharged from the reservoir so that the compressor remains in the supply mode and the consumer and/or reservoir continues to be supplied with air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Alexander Staedele, Christian Pischulti
  • Publication number: 20170120696
    Abstract: A valve assembly may have an inlet configured to receive pressurized fluid, a first port, a diaphragm comprising a first side and an opposing second side, a first one-way valve disposed so as to allow fluid to flow from the inlet to the first side of the diaphragm, and a second one-way valve disposed so as to allow fluid to flow from the inlet to the first port. The first side of the diaphragm may be in fluid communication with the first port and with atmosphere, and the second side may be in fluid communication with the first one-way valve, the diaphragm sealing the first port from the first one-way valve and from atmosphere, such that when fluid pressure in the first port exceeds the fluid pressure at the first valve, the diaphragm may flex to allow fluid to flow from the first port to atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Dane Henry, Mark Kevin Hennig
  • Publication number: 20170120697
    Abstract: A tire management system for a truck or trailer comprising an axle having a first tire mounted thereto, the system comprising an air pressure supply connected to the tire so as to allow sealed communication of pressurized air between the air pressure supply and the first tire, and a first pilot-operated check valve in sealed fluid communication with the air pressure supply and with the first tire, the first pilot-operated check valve being configured to allow air to flow only from the air pressure supply to the first tire when a pilot of the first pilot check valve is not activated, and to allow air to flow between the first tire and the air pressure supply when the pilot of the first pilot-operated check valve is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Mark Kevin Hennig
  • Publication number: 20170120698
    Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, a method comprising determining a change in configuration of a mobile machine, and in response to determining the change in configuration, initiating adjustment of a pressure of at least one tire of the mobile machine is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: DONALD LANDPHAIR, CHARLES T GRAHAM
  • Publication number: 20170120699
    Abstract: An air maintenance tire assembly is provided in which an elongate groove is located within a first sidewall of a tire. The groove forms an elongate channel within the first sidewall and an elongate groove access passage extends from the elongate channel to an access opening located at an outward surface of the first sidewall. An air pumping tube inserts through the groove access passage and is positioned within the groove channel. A cover strip attaches to the first sidewall to enclose the access opening of the groove access passage. The cover strip is positioned along the first sidewall at a higher distance from the bead region of the first sidewall than the groove channel to avoid contact with a wheel rim flange when the tire is mounted to a wheel rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Thulasiram Gobinath, Patrick David Marks, Arun Kumar Byatarayanapura Gopala, Jungmee Kang, Robin Lamgaday
  • Publication number: 20170120700
    Abstract: An inspection system for use in measuring several vehicle conditions in a high volume vehicle inspection line. A plurality of sensors are installed on a vehicle for measuring a plurality of vehicle conditions to assist in the rapid evaluation of critical vehicle conditions or parameters. At least one tool is positioned along a vehicle path in a monitoring station. As the vehicle passes through the monitoring station, the tool received electronic data from the plurality of sensors and displays one or more signals to alert an inspector of acceptable or unacceptable vehicle conditions. In one example, the plurality of sensors includes tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) data from the vehicle tires to rapidly assess the condition of the tire air pressure and other monitored tire conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Jacques Mouchet
  • Publication number: 20170120701
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments relating to devices, systems and methods relating to the mounting and inflating of tires for use in automotive applications. There is a need in the art for improved devices, systems and methods for tire mounting and inflation, so as to allow a user to prepare racing tires without mounting on a rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: John Scott, Rick Sackett