Abstract: Systems and methods for producing micromachined devices, including sensors, actuators, optics, fluidics, and mechanical assemblies, using manufacturing techniques of lead frames, substrates, microelectronic packages, printed circuit boards, flex circuits, and rigid-flex materials. Preferred embodiments comprise using methods from post-semiconductor manufacturing to produce three-dimensional and free-standing structures in non-semiconductor materials. The resulting devices may remain part of the substrate, board or lead frame which can then used as a substrate for further packaging electronic assembly operations. Alternatively, the devices may be used as final components that can be assembled within other devices.

Abstract: A run-flat pneumatic tire assembly includes a pneumatic tire having an elastomeric casing and a tire cavity formed therein. A longitudinally-extending and approximately planar length of strip material is helically arranged within the tire cavity to pre-stress the length of strip material for usage of the pneumatic tire during under-inflated and non-inflated conditions. A method of making a run-flat pneumatic tire assembly is also included.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a pneumatic tire capable of easily and appropriately winding a sheet lamination body formed by a resin film and an unvulcanized rubber sheet around a shaping drum.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a pneumatic tire, which is capable of reducing tire failure without leading to reduction in productivity, the method including: folding a cylindrical film made of thermoplastic resin or thermoplastic elastomer composition into a sheet shape; stacking rubber layers on both surfaces of the folded film in a manner that the rubber layers protrude from both edge portions of the film; forming a laminate by cutting protruding parts of the rubber layers into rubber protruding portions each having an amount of protrusion (h) in a range from 3 mm to 20 mm; expanding the laminate into a cylindrical shape and fitting the laminate onto a tire making drum; pressing down each rubber protruding portion toward the surface of the drum by use of a pressure roller; pasting other components of a tire onto the laminate to form an uncured tire; and curing the uncured tire.

Abstract: A protective tire liner positioned between the bicycle inner tube and the bicycle outer tire of a bicycle wheel. The protective tire liner comprises a thin lightweight puncture resistant flexible strip of metallic material, preferably of recycled aluminum to protect the inner tube from puncture damage. The lightweight puncture resistant flexible strip of recycled aluminum has a thickness of 0.002?-0.035?. The protective tire liner also includes polyurethane protective tape which is applied to major first and second surfaces of the lightweight puncture resistant flexible strip of recycled aluminum to give added protection against puncture and enhance the strength and durability of the recycled aluminum strip. The polyurethane protective tape prevents the puncture resistant flexible metal strip from accordianing and covers the edges of the puncture resistant flexible metal strip to prevent it from abrading the inner tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unitary run flat tire (RFT) reinforcement using filament material that is formed into a relatively rigid shape. The reinforcement is insertable into a mold for an RFT support and can maintain the needed structural rigidity for such insertion. Further, the invention provides an RFT support that is molded and includes the RFT reinforcement. The invention also provides a wheel assembly including a tire, a rim, and an RFT support between the rim and the tire, where the support includes the RFT reinforcement. The RFT support can have a colored indicator formed or subsequently applied thereto to indicate one or more attributes of the support.

Abstract: A ply station 12, a band station 13, a shaping station 14, and a belt-tread station 15 are disposed along one side of a conveyor line 11 which extends linearly. A first feeding apparatus 16 disposed between the stations 12, 13, a second feeding apparatus 17 between the stations 13, 14, and a third feeding apparatus 18 between the stations 15, 14 are movably supported on the conveyor line 11. A vulcanizing station 19 comprising a plurality of vulcanizers 20 is disposed on a second side of the conveyor line 11. A delivery apparatus 22 is disposed between the vulcanizing station 19 and the shaping station 14.

Abstract: In the shaping of a green tire for a pneumatic tire, a pair of bead cores each attached with a stiffener are set to insides of both resulting hook-shaped wrap portions of a carcass band at a fall-down posture of the stiffener, and thereafter the stiffener of the fall-down posture is stood up on an outer peripheral side of the wrap portion, and a belt and a tread are piled on an outer peripheral side of the carcass band.

Abstract: A cord-embedded rubber tape, a tire component made by winding such a tape, and a pneumatic tire comprising such a tire component are disclosed, wherein the tape is made of unvulcanized rubber and at least one cord is embedded therein along the length of the tape. The unvulcanized rubber may include short fibers oriented in the longitudinal direction of the tape.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method of building a tire having at least one cord reinforced belt ply. The method is comprised of layering various tire components on a tire building drum. Prior to placing the belt ply on the building drum, at least one belt ply is longitudinally cut, forming a plurality of belt ply segments. The belt ply segments are placed onto the building drum and the cords in each belt ply segment are oriented in the same direction. Also disclosed is a longitudinal cutter for dividing belt ply material into the plurality of belt ply segments. The cutter has at least a pair of shear cutters and a cutting surface against which the shear cutters rotate to cut the continuous belt ply. The shear cutters are mounted on a rail and are moveable along the length of the rail.

Abstract: A cutting device and method in which a reinforcement is guided to a cutoff point where it is cut by a knife driven by a rotary shaft and carried along a closed path which brings the knife into cutting relationship with the reinforcement during predetermined cycles.

Abstract: A vehicle tire is made by inflating a vulcanized air tube to a slight pressure. Then, at least one thread element is wound around the transverse profile of the air tube to form a first carcass ply consisting of turns disposed consecutively in side-by-side relationship. A pair of annular anchoring elements is applied to the first carcass ply. Then, a second carcass ply is formed by winding at least one thread element so as to form turns disposed consecutively in side-by-side relationship along the circumferential extension of the air tube. Associated with the carcass structure is an annular element made up of a belt structure and a tread band. The carcass structure and annular element can be vulcanized separately from each other to make a tire having a tread band susceptible of replacement together with the belt structure.

Abstract: At least one carcass ply (3) is formed by depositing a strip-like element (13) comprising longitudinal thread-like elements (13a) incorporated into a layer of elastomer material (13b), onto a toroidal support (11). Deposition of the strip-like element (13) takes place in alternated deposition sections (23, 24) each comprising two radially-extending side portions (23a, 24a, 23c, 24c) and a crown portion (23b, 24b) extending at a radially external position. The side portions of each deposition section (23, 24) are at least partly overlapped with side portions belonging to an adjacent deposition section. Associated with the carcass ply (3) are annular structures (4) comprising a circumferentially inextensible annular insert (32) axially external to an anchoring element (31). A belt structure (5), a tread band (8) and sidewalls (9) are combined with the thus formed carcass structure (2) to define a tire (1) to be submitted to a vulcanization step.

Abstract: A protective tire liner is positioned between the bicycle inner tube and the bicycle outer tire of a bicycle wheel. The tire liner includes a puncture-resistant flexible strip to protect the inner tube from puncture damage, and at least one covering layer on the puncture-resistant flexible strip to cover at least the side edges thereof. The puncture-resistant strip has a relatively abrasive surface especially at side edges thereof so as to be capable of abrading the inner tube upon relative motion. Accordingly, the covering layer prevents abrading of the inner tube which would otherwise occur. The protective liner protects the inner tube from puncture damage, such as from thorns, as are commonly encountered when mountain biking. In one embodiment, the at least one covering layer comprises a flexible plastic strip spirally wound about the puncture-resistant flexible strip.

Abstract: A tire ply end turn-up device comprising an inflatable first rubbery polymer bladder body, a second non-stick rubbery polymer layer on at least a portion of the surface of the bladder body, and fabric between the bladder body and the non-stick surface. The ply turn-up bladder is made by forming an uncured rubbery polymer bladder body, forming a composite of fabric calendared on one side with an uncured non-stick rubbery polymer and on the other with a rubbery polymer that will bond with the bladder body upon curing, applying the composite to at least a portion of the bladder body, and curing the bladder body and composite to form an integral turn-up bladder with a non-stick rubber surface. A rubbery polymer that will bond with the uncured bladder body upon curing is used on the fabric side that contacts the bladder body.

Abstract: A method of winding a belt-shaped member is used in winding a tire member around a forming drum. A position of a leading end of a tire member is detected to obtain a shifted distance of the leading end relative to the forming drum. The leading end is then transferred to the forming drum, while the leading end is being moved in a width direction to make zero the shifted distance. The leading end is pressed against the forming drum, while the leading end is brought into coincidence with a reference position of the forming drum. The forming drum is then rotated during which the tire member is supplied onto the forming drum. A position of a trailing end of the tire member is detected to obtain a shifted distance of the trailing end relative to the reference position of the forming drum. The trailing end is the supplied onto the rotating forming drum, while the trailing end is moved in a width direction to make zero the shifted distance of the trailing end.

Abstract: The reinforcements for tires are made from a single cord (4) laid by a laying head (3A) which describes a path of any type surrounding the rigid core (2) which constitutes a rigid support on which the tire is progressively built. The path comprises a laying zone during which the laying head (3A) applies a length of cord. Between two successive passes of the laying head (3A), the rigid core (2) turns by an amount corresponding to the laying pitch.

Abstract: A method for forming a green tire by assembling tire constituent elements such as a carcass ply, side tread, a belt, a top tread, cushion rubber members and the like. This method comprises the steps of presetting cushion rubber members preliminarily severed into a plurality of pieces at least at the both side portions of the belt and at predetermined positions on the carcass ply respectively, folding back the both side portions of the carcass ply wrapped around a forming drum as well as the side treads respectively superposed on the both side portions to simultaneously shape these into a predetermined shape on the forming drum, and sticking a BT-band consisting of the belt and the top tread preset integrally to a predetermined position. According to this method, always tires having stable quality can be manufactured, and tire production efficiency is enhanced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bonding a carcass for a tubed tire with a belt band that protects the radially inner side of the tire. The bonding surface is coated with a rubber solution, the belt band is placed thereon, and the bonding zone of tire and belt band is vulcanized. To achieve an increased resistance to separation between a biased carcass and a belt band, the zenith portion of the tire is reinforced with additional or overlapping plies in such a way that the rigidity of the outer half in the circumferential direction is greater than that of the inner half. While avoiding high speed accelerators, the rubber solution is provided with such a quantity of polymerizing agent that at the selected vulcanization temperature a vulcanizing time of between a third of a minute and ten minutes results. The tire, which is provided with the belt band and is in a position of use, is disposed onto a ring that is provided with a circumferential trough and is heated.

Abstract: A method of making a belt overlay structure for a pneumatic tire is provided. In the method, a belt structure is wrapped circumferentially around a cylinder which is secured to a rotatable shaft, and a ribbon comprising an elastomeric substance containing side-by-side textile cords extending longitudinally in the ribbon is provided on a let-off means. A first end of the ribbon is adhered to the outermost belt ply in close proximity to the axial center line of the belt structure, and the cylinder is rotated while ribbon is supplied from the let-off device. The let-off device first traverses to a first lateral edge of the belt structure where the lateral movement of the let-off means stops while the cylinder continues to rotate and the let-off means continues to supply ribbon.

Abstract: A self-healing tire containing an inner tube is obtained by a method comprising coating either the surface of the tube or the inner surface of a tire casing with a tacky, non-flowing sealant material. Prior to insertion of the inner tube, the surface of the sealant or the opposing surface of the tube or casing or both are coated with a anti-tack material, such as a plasticizer for the sealant. The anti-tack material renders the sealant non-tacky for a period of time long enough for insertion and inflation of the tube. However, the anti-tack material allows the sealant surface to become tacky again thereby adhering the tube to the casing and providing for sealing of the tube when it is punctured.

Abstract: A process for producing a tire reinforcement is characterized by the fact that each reinforcement cord is projected individually into its place in the reinforcement. For this purpose, a machine is used which comprises laying members comprising essentially a rotary conduit which projects the cord by a radially outer extremity of the conduit and rollers which impose a linear speed of laying of the cord.

Abstract: A process for producing a tire reinforcement is characterized by the fact that each reinforcement cord is projected individually into its place in the reinforcement. For this purpose, a machine is used which comprises laying members comprising essentially a rotary conduit which projects the cord by a radially outer extremity of the conduit and rollers which impose a linear speed of laying of the cord.

Abstract: A tubular tire for a bicycle having the carcass seamed on its inner periphery to enclose an inner tube. The seaming is covered by a hand of rubberized fabric that is bonded to and extends around the inner periphery of the tire carcass. The band has two fracture lines so that the band can be torn away to expose the seaming for removal of the inner tube. A non-bonded area on the band permits access to start the tearing.

Abstract: An aqueous composition comprising an alkaline rubbery vinyl pyridine latex, a water dispersible or soluble epoxide and a polyfunctional amine can be used to treat a polyamide reinforcing element, e.g. a poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) cord, to increase the adhesion of the cord to rubber. Further improvements in adhesion can be obtained if the cord before treatment with the aqueous composition is exposed to a cold gas plasma of air, N.sub.2, He, Ne or Ar or mixture thereof at up to about 300 watts of power for a few seconds to several minutes to improve its adhesion to rubber.

Abstract: A tube assembly for use in a process of vulcanizing a pre-cured tread onto a tire casing is disclosed. The tube assembly includes an elastomeric tubular wall having an inner periphery with a protective non-woven fabric layer covering a major portion thereof. The fabric layer includes a plurality of polyester cords extending in parallel relation in a single ply elastomeric matrix. Longitudinal edges of the fabric are covered by thin strips of elastomer bonded to the fabric layer and the tube wall. Superimposed fabric reinforcing swatches are bonded to the fabric layer around the valve stem. The tube assembly is resistant to being damaged prematurely by the rim which supports the tire casing in the tread vulcanization process.

Abstract: A tubular tire for cycles comprising a tubular toroidal body including an inner airtight tube to be inflated, the tire body or carcass being equipped, on the outer surface mating the wheel rim, with a rubberized tape having projecting portions such as profiles or prominences adapted to ensure a better engagement between the tire and the rim.The carcass is built by longitudinally joining together the edges of a rubberized fabric, the junction being radially external with respect to the tire and below the tread. The edges are joined either by overlapping or by abutment of the edges. In this latter case a reinforcement strip is provided between the carcass and the tread. An additional narrow strip protecting the junction is provided between the carcass and the inner or air tube.According to an embodiment the tire has a tunnel shaped cross-section obtained by suitably shaping the rubberized tape and the tire body when vulcanizing the tire.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring and applying discrete lengths of material to a moving web is disclosed. The material is supplied to a plurality of applicator units (41). Each applicator unit (41) has a first applicator segment (42) and a second applicator segment (43). The applicator units (41) are rotated around a drum axis (35a). The web supply section (11) feeds the web (21) to a fluted corrugating roll (22). The first applicator segment (42) is rotated about a first axis and the second applicator segment (43) is rotated about a second axis, wherein the first and second applicator segments (42) and (43) are linearly aligned when passing under an extruder (27). Then the first and second applicator segments (42) and (43) rotate around the first and second axis to place the first and second applicator segments in space relationship when the material (33) is bonded to peaks (21a) of the web (21).

Abstract: An improved tire liner composed of high temperature and pressure (HPT) molded and vulcanized rubber with a cross-section having two opposite long sides and two opposite short sides is described. One long side of the liner to be positioned across the U-shaped surface of the tire casing or the inside air space of the casing is beveled along its edges so that it tapers into the short sides. In some instances both long sides are tapered along the edges into the short sides. The tire liner reduces flat tires caused by punctures through the tire casing.

Abstract: A high performance bicycle tire comprises a casing of untreated woven fabric in the form of a toroid about an inner tube. Preferably the threads of the fabric are in bias alignment. A polyurethane tread is secured about the periphery of the casing.

Abstract: A cushioned toilet seat is made by first forming a sealed air-and-water tight annular inner tube having a configuration corresponding to that of the end product, then vacuum forming an annular recess or cavity in a first sheet of a cover material, then placing the previously formed sealed inner tube into the annular cavity, then placing a rigid annular member into the cavity on top of the inner tube, then placing a flat sheet of cover material over the cavity, and sealing it closed. Variations are disclosed in one of which the inner tube is filled or partially filled with a polyurethane foam produced by placing a quantity of expandable foamable polyurethane resin reaction mixture in the inner tube before sealing and then sealing the inner tube closed before the foam is fully expanded. In another embodiment, the inner tube is filled or partially filled with water.

Abstract: Tubular tire for motor vehicles, of the type including an inflatable tubular inner (pneumatic) tube, a bracing, a case of the radial type, a rim strip, some rubber sides, a tire tread and two semi-rigid circular rods. The two rods 7 are set at the level of the bracing 2 at the edges thereof; the rim strip 4 has a width included between approximately 0.25 L and approximately 0.35 L; the transverse section of the tire has an H/L ratio included between approximately 0.5 and approximately 0.6; the sides 5 of the tire have a profile corresponding to that of the top part of the curve which represents the equation of a classic radial tire; the aggregate is such that, seen in transverse section, the tire fairly forms an isostable triangulated system.

Abstract: A high-pressure joint tester includes a pair (or two pairs) of plugs, each plug having an annular rigid channel containing an inflatable elastomeric annular tube. The spaced, parallel plugs are joined together by a rigid cylindrical wall extending between inner sides of the channels. The tubes are inflated at preselected pressures to seal against interior pipe walls on opposite sides of a locus where two pipe ends meet at a joint, and fluid is introduced under pressure through the cylindrical wall to the outer surface thereof. Rollers support the device for movement through the pipeline to be tested.

Abstract: A wheeled toy with at least one wheel having a hollow thin-walled pliant toroidal tube formed from a piece of thin flexible material such as fabric and containing a relatively rigid sleeve disposed within the tube interior in surrounding relation to the inner annular wall portion of the toroid and soft spongy stuffing material, such as cotton. The wheel is rotatably mounted on the toy body by means of an axle extending through the central openings in the toroid and sleeve. A method of fabricating the wheel.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for building a cord or wire wound carcass for a closed torus tire. An endless flattened inflatable tube providing a liner for the carcass and coaxially spaced bead rings are placed on a support comprising a cylindrical array of rolls. The bead rings are spaced axially to control the length of each turn of cord or wire wound in the flattened oval path around them. A single wire or cord is wound in a flat oval orbit about the liner and bead rings by orbiting a spool along a track having two straight parallel portions, one inside, the other outside the bead rings and liner. The parallel track portions are connected at their ends by semi-circular track portions. No rigid core is required. After winding the cord or wire about the liner and bead rings, the liner is inflated and the bead rings are shifted axially toward each other to the axial spacing appropriate for the inflated tire in use.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for supporting and maintaining tire reinforcing elements relative to an opening of a tire carcass base during forming of a tire carcass.

Abstract: A substantially conventional tubeless or tube-type tire casing is mounted on a wheel and contains a centrifugally distributed solid elastic fill material which is deflation proof. A heat curable elastomer is injected into the casing in liquid form, the casing is pneumatically pressurized to seat upon the wheel rims, and the assembly is rotated to centrifugally distribute and position the liquid elastomer until it has cured. Alternatively, a pressurizable tube of relatively small diameter extends about the wheel within the casing and between the beads and rims of the casing and wheel. The tube is belted to limit its radially outward expansion and is filled with air at a pressure sufficient to securely hold the casing beads on the wheel rims. The elastic fill material may have characteristics providing a ride equivalent to a relatively low air pressure and at the same time, the casing will be securely locked to the wheel by relatively high pressure in the belted tube.

Abstract: A closed torus tire in which the cord or wire reinforcement ply, or plies, surround the inflation chamber which can retain pressure without being mounted on a wheel. The reinforcement ply is continuous circumferentially of the tire and axially in the crown and sidewalls. The circumferential ply edges are lap-spliced in the inner wheel-engaging part, rather than being folded around bead cores. The tire is made without use of a building core of any kind, thus avoiding the cost and difficulty of removing such core from the completed tire. The tire is made by wrapping the reinforcement ply, or plies, about a cylindrical drum to form a sleeve. An inner liner is then wrapped about the sleeve, a reversal of normal tire building practice. One circumfferential edge of the sleeve is then moved outward and axially over the remaining sleeve, beyond the other, unmoved edge. The one edge is then moved inward and axially under the other edge to form the lapped splice.

Abstract: Stitchers for consolidating tire building components successively wrapped on a building drum comprise multiple thin or narrow annular discs in side-by-side array. Each is free independently and individually to rotate about an axis common to the discs in response to the rotation of the building drum, and to be displaced normal to such axis by differing radial elevation of the components relative to the surface of the drum. Uniformly distributed pressure of the discs on the components along the contact zone is obtained by an inflatable cushion extending through the discs and acting on them individually. Thin inner plates disposed respectively within each disc rotatably support the discs and transfer the stitching forces from the cushion to individual discs.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for building a cord or wire wound carcass for a closed torus tire. An endless flattened inflatable tube providing a liner for the carcass and coaxially spaced bead rings are placed on a support comprising a cylindrical array of rolls. The bead rings are spaced axially to control the length of each turn of cord or wire wound in the flattened oval path around them. A single wire or cord is wound in a flat oval orbit about the liner and bead rings by orbiting a spool along a track having two straight parallel portions, one inside, the other outside the bead rings and liner. The parallel track portions are connected at their ends by semi-circular track portions. No rigid core is required. After winding the cord or wire about the liner and bead rings, the liner is inflated and the bead rings are shifted axially toward each other to the axial spacing appropriate for the inflated tire in use.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for wrapping a cord or wire in a toroidal helix about a liner to form a closed torus carcass. An extruder, die, and diehead provide means for extruding a liner having a horseshoe-shaped profile. Circumferential edges of the liner are joined with a preformed assembly of bead rings and a spacer ring. Cord or wire is wound snugly about an array of control fingers and then slipped off the fingers as successive tensionless turns about the liner and rings as the latter rotate through a winding plane in which a spool supplying cord or wire orbits. No rigid core is required. An endless inflatable tube can be used in lieu of the extruded liner.