Abstract: The laying of pieces 40 of cord 4 is assured by a laying tube 30 which receives the cord by placing its inlet facing the outlet of a cord distributor, the knife 85 of which cuts the cord just upstream of the laying tube 30. At the end of the laying tube 30 there is disposed a laying head 32 which is displaced transversely along the support 1 on which the reinforcement is built. The angle of laying of the cord is adjusted by judiciously coordinating the transverse speed of displacement of the head 32 and the speed of rotation of the support 1.

Abstract: A method of stitching component elements (5) of a radial tire, whereby an inner component element (5b) is placed inside an outer component element (5a) housed inside a toroidal body (7) mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis (8) on a saddle (31) adjustable in width and supported on a carriage (6). A stitching drum (58) is inserted inside the inner component element (5b) and toroidal body (7), and is moved radially upwards to compress the outer component element (5a) between the toroidal body (7) and the inner component element (5b). The saddle (31) is widened so that the toroidal body (7) weighs on the stitching drum (58), and the toroidal body (7) and stitching drum (58) are rotated in relation to each other.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for applying hot cushion gum (E) in a strip (12) of predetermined thickness and width to the crown surface (14) of a tire carcass (16) having a sagittal plane (68). The apparatus (10) includes a motor (M) for rotating the tire carcass (16), and extrusion means (18) for dispensing hot cushion gum through a die means (26). The angular disposition of the die means (26) may be selected relative to the sagittal plane (68) of the tire carcass (16) to determine the effective width of the strip (12) applied to the crown surface (14), rotational control mechanism (64) is also provided selectively to control the angular velocity of the rotating tire carcass (16) which determines the thickness of the strip (12). According to the present method a tire carcass (16) is mounted for rotation. The die head (26) is positionable at a selected angle (.beta.) within its angular range (.alpha.) measured transversely of the sagittal plane ( 68) of the tire carcass (16) to establish a selected, effective width (W.sub.

Abstract: A process for recapping tires with a pre-molded, pre-vulcanized tread (2) uses a device for measurement of the travelling length of the tread (2). This device includes a stop (5) which moves on a guide track (6) connected to an endless notched belt (7) held in place by two pulleys (8) and (9), a motor (10), and an optical coder (11). During the entire installation phase of the tread (2) on the casing (21), the stop (5) generates a slight force on the free end of the tread placed on a preparation table (3) incorporating rollers (4).

Abstract: A method of attaching a belt-like member being transferred by a conveyor to a circumference of a drum comprises steps of detecting a leading end and a trailing end of the belt-like member, respectively, transferring the belt-like member by the conveyor until the leading end of the member arrives at a leading end set position, and further transferring the belt-like member and rotating the drum to attach the belt-like member to the circumference of the drum so that at the same time when the leading end of the belt-like member attached to the drum arrives at a set rotated position, the trailing end of the belt-like member arrives at a trailing end set position spaced a predetermined distance from a trailing end detected position where the trailing end was detected in the first step, thereby jointing the leading and trailing ends.

Abstract: A method an apparatus of applying a tire tread to a tire carcass including the steps of conveying a tread on a conveyor between two self-centering guides which are slidably mounted on a frame over the conveyor, the guides having parallel rows of rollers for engaging opposite edges of the treads; adhering one end of the tread to the tire carcass on a tire building drum; rotating the tire building drum to pull the tread over the tire carcass; and applying a predetermined uniform pressure against the opposite edges of the tire tread through the rollers to uniformly resist movement of the tread toward the tire building drum and thereby uniformly stretch the tread. The apparatus includes the use of a pneumatic piston cylinder which urges the rollers against the edges of the tread, applying uniform force perpendicular to the tread's axis regardless of the width or width variations of the tread.

Abstract: A retreading device for tires in which a tread strip is applied to a carcass includes a tread strip feeding device for feeding the tread strip to the carcass and an extruder for the extrusion of a rubber binding layer. The device includes also an inclined lifting device for a pivotably supporting the carcass relative to the extruder and/or the tread strip feeding device.

Abstract: A method of forming a tire (1) inside a forming mold (2) having an inner surface negatively reproducing the outer surface of the finished tire (1). The method provides for forming a second stage tread assembly (13) of the tire (1) in an annular housing (3b) defined by an annular body (3) constituting an outer portion of the forming mold (2), and by two auxiliary outer rings (47) fitted in releasable manner to the opposite axial ends of the annular body (3). The two auxiliary rings (47) are subsequently removed from the annular body for fitting the annular body (3), in place of the auxiliary rings (47), with two annular lateral plates (6) defining respective lateral portions of the forming mold (2).

Abstract: An apparatus joins opposite ends of a tread on a rotary drum in a tire making machine. Besides the rotary drum, the apparatus includes a conveyor having two lateral endless loops and a guide in the form of rollers interposed between the loops. The conveyor is disposed upstream of the rotary drum. Clamping mechanisms are provided to clamp the respective sides of the tread at a rear end thereof to the endless loops of the conveyor, respectively. A tread placed on the endless loops of the conveyor is maintained in relative position by the guide. The actual length of the tread on the conveyor is measured. The front end of the tread is adhered to the rotary drum and the opposite sides of the tread at the rear end thereof are clamped to the conveyor. The conveyor and drum are then driven at appropriate speeds based on the length of the tread to cause the ends thereof to be joined on the drum. Movable grippers can be provided to stretch the rear end of the tread at the sides thereof into abutment with the front end.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a second stage tread assembly (1) of a road vehicle tire, whereby a green annular tread cap (2) is fed onto and stitched internally against, the inner annular surface (23) of an annular forming body (18) negatively reproducing the final outer annular surface (3) of the tread cap (2). A number of further annular components (7,14), comprising a reinforced annular tread belt (14), are successively fed into the annular body (18) and onto a barrel-shaped inner annular surface (5) of the tread cap (2).

Abstract: A pneumatic vehicle tire with a wound bandage and a method for its manufacture are provided. In order to avoid discontinuities of the wound bandage within the area of the edges of the reinforcement belt, it is suggested to provide the strips of material for manufacturing the bandage with a narrow width in the area of the edges of the reinforcement belt and with a wide width at the center portion of the reinforcement belt. This is achieved by providing at least two strips of varying width and winding them onto the reinforcement belt such that the narrow strip of material is arranged at the edges of the reinforcement belt.

Abstract: A process for applying a belt structure during the manufacture of a large heavy duty tire such as for an earthmover machine including forming a belt band 5 obtained by adhering together two rubberized fabric strips 8, 9 so as to be laterally offset with respect to each other. Each strip has reinforcing cords 8a, 9a disposed according to symmetrically cross-biased orientations. A belt band made of at least two adhered together strips is wrapped on the carcass 2 of a tire being manufactured with one or more complete turns around the radial outer circumferential surface of the carcass. The end edges 5a, 5b of the belt band 5 are cut perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis thereof and are disposed to overlap each other with the amount of overlap ranging between 20 and 80 mm.

Abstract: A method and device for feeding hot portions (4) of extruded tire tread (3) directly to a tire building machine (5), whereby tread portions (4) of given length, obtained by cutting a tread (3) produced continuously by an extruder (2) at a first speed (V1), are fed successively to the tire building machine (5), with no distortion or stretching and at a second speed (V2) differing from the first (V1), by means of a feed device (1) having an input conveyor (11) for receiving the continuous tread (3) at the first speed (V1) and feeding it through a cutting station (12) to an output conveyor (17) at least equal in length to the tread portion (4); during each cycle for feeding each tread portion (4) to the tire building machine (5), the output conveyor (17) undergoes at least four variations in speed, so as to assume, at least once, a speed substantially equal to zero, and three different traveling speeds (V1, V2, V3), of which two (V1, V2) are equal to the first (V1) and second (V2) speeds respectively.

Abstract: The described process comprises the following operating steps: an extrusion step in which the raw rubber is extruded in the form of a strip (7) from an appropriate machine (1); a winding step in which the rubber strip (7) is wound about a rotating drum (2); an insert application step in which steel insert pieces (16) are applied to the rubber layer wound about the rotating drum (2); a second winding step in which the rubber strip (7) is wound on the steel insert pieces (16); a coiling step in which a steel wire (4) is wound into spiral shape on the rubber layer wound about the rotating drum (2); a third winding step in which the rubber strip (7) is wound on the coiled steel wire (4) as far as a product in the form of a ring is achieved; a removal step in which the ring-shaped produce is removed from the drum (2); an introduction step in which the ring-shaped product is introduced into a mold; a forming and vulcanization step carried out on the product in the mold; an extraction step in which the ready track i

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing tread/reinforcement belt units for pneumatic vehicle tires in which a rotatable winding drum. a belt feeding device for a first and a second reinforcement belt layer, an overlay feeding device, a tread feeding device and a transfer device are provided. On a winding drum having double width and being axially movable, two tread/reinforcement belt units are simultaneously produced whereby in the first method steps the individual reinforcement belt layers are produced, subsequently two wound overlays are produced, and then two treads are applied one after another or simultaneously.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire including a belt reinforcing layer or layers formed by spirally continuously winding a single organic fiber cord in a manner such that before the molding of an unvulcanized tire, the belt reinforcing layer or an outer or outermost belt reinforcing layer has a greater density of winding of the organic fiber cord in its regions located beneath or inner to a main groove-forming rib of a mold than in its remaining region, whereby after the molding of the unvulcanized tire, the cord density in the regions of the belt reinforcing layer or the outer or outermost belt reinforcing layer beneath or inner to the main groove-forming rib is set to be substantially identical with the cord density in its remaining region; and a process for the production of such tire.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a tubular article such as a component for deformation into the shape of a pneumatic tire utilizes a flexible carrier (15) for transfer and deformation of sheet material (9) to extend in a tubular form between the carrier and a former (25). The carrier (15) may extend around the former and support the sheet material between the former (25) and carrier (15) particularly if the former is of a type expansible to press the sheet material outward against the carrier. The axial ends (35) of the carrier (15) when in a tubular form around the former may be used axially to space and support a pair of tire beads (36). The sheet material (9) may have an axial length sufficient for it to extend beyond each axial end of the carrier whereby it may be turned radially outward around the respective tire beads.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a tire in which an annular component (11) is placed onto a flexible annular support (12) and the support (12) with component (11) insitu is brought into proximity with a shaped-up tire carcass for assembly of the component to the carcass. The insitu component (11) is assembled to the shaped-up carcass by applying a load through the flexible support (12) to press said component against the carcass. The annular support (12) is locatable on an operating head (34) which includes an applier means (81) which acts on the flexible support causing it to distort and thereby transfer the component (11) to the shaped-up tire carcass.

Abstract: The problem of recycling scrap radial tires is addressed by providing many uses for a laminate made by bonding two or more belt sections of a radial tire, the sidewalls of which have been cut away, the tire then cut open, and de-treaded. The result is a multi-ply structure which is sensibly rigid in all three directions because each belt ply in a belt is reinforced with cords at an angle, the cord angle in one belt ply being opposed to the angle in the other. A slat, bar, or beam, formed with plural belts is essentially rigid in a direction at right angles to its longitudinal axis, because for bending to occur, one belt must be in tension and the other in compression. Neither condition is favored because of the opposed cord angles and belt geometry. Though essentially rigid because of the cord geometry, the amount of rubber in the laminate allows it to be deformable relative to wood or steel having the same thickness.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprising a carcass made up of layers of cord materials and extending from one bead to the other bead, a tread portion disposed radially outwardly of the carcass and extending in a circumferential direction of the tire, a belt layer of at least one belt disposed between the carcass and the tread portion, and a reinforcing layer disposed between the tread portion and the belt layer, wherein the reinforcing layer is formed by spirally hooping two continuous ribbon materials, each of which is composed of two to twelve cord materials covered with rubber and has a ribbon width of 4-11 mm, on the belt layer in the circumferential direction so that the lateral edges of the belt layer are covered and that the ends of each ribbon material do not overlap each other, and wherein one of the ribbon materials is hooped in two or more layers at one laterally outer end portion of the belt layer and the other ribbon material is hooped in two or more layers at an opposite laterally outer end portion of the be

Abstract: A method for applying a tire material such as carcass ply to a building drum in a tire building process wherein the cut leading end of the ply is caused to pressure-adhere onto the building drum by a leading-end applying and pressure-adhering roller. The building drum is caused to rotate at an angle less than one rotation, and thereafter the ply is cut by the cutter mechanism, and the building drum is further rotated to join the cut trailing end of the ply with the cut leading end, while the roller is pressure-adhering the cut trailing end of the ply against the building drum.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire includes a belt arranged on the radially outer side of a carcass, and a band arranged on the radially outer side of the belt and composed of one or more continuous organic fiber cords wound spirally and approximately parallel to the circumferential direction of the tire. A radial tire manufacturing method includes the steps of laminating a predetermined number of belt plies on a belt drum or belt ring for forming a belt, and winding one to several organic fiber cords continuously and spirally in the circumferential direction of the belt on the outer surface of the formed belt in order to form a band. A band forming device includes a device for drawing out a cord to be wound, a device for traversing a let-off device in the widthwise direction of the belt, and a device for controlling the traverse of the let-off device.

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 speed rated tire (10) is provided with an overlay structure (20) disposed radially outwardly of the belt structure (17). The overlay structure comprises a single ribbon (22) of side-by-side textile cords spirally wrapped about the belt structure such that both ends of the ribbon are in close proximity to the equatorial plane (EP) of the tire, while the axial width of the overlay structure is at least equal to that of the belt structure. The number of radial layers of cords in the overlay structure being greater at the axial edges of the belt structure than the average number of radial layers of cords in the remainder of the overlay structure. A method of manufacturing such an overlay structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: The rubber products forming a part of the structure of a tire are laid onto a rigid core by means of a volumetric extruder having an outlet orifice of small size positioned close to the surface on which the rubber is to be applied. The rubber products are built up by a meridian displacement of the orifice relative to the receiving surface with the extrusion of a controlled volume of rubber.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus for fabricating belts are disclosed comprising conveying a first mandrel to a wrapping station, supplying the leading edge of a web from a web supply roll to the first mandrel at the wrapping station, retaining the leading edge of the web on the first mandrel by means of a partial vacuum, wrapping the web around the first mandrel by rotating the first mandrel for about one revolution, severing the web at the wrapping station to form a trailing edge which overlaps the leading edge of the web to form a first belt having a seam, substantially simultaneously conveying the first mandrel to a welding station and conveying a second mandrel to the wrapping station, and substantially simultaneously wrapping the second mandrel with fresh web material from the web supply roll and welding the seam on the first belt on the first mandrel to form a unitary belt. These welded belts may be automatically removed from the mandrels at a belt discharge station.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure and a manufacturing method of a pneumatic radial tire, especially a radial tire for aircraft, and it is hence a primary object of the present invention to improve the structural durability of a tire in high speed running. The pneumatic radial tire comprises a belt layer (4) composed of a center belt (BC) and two shoulder belts (BS), wherein a cord or cords (6) of each shoulder belt is substantially parallel to the central circumferential line of the tire, and the diameter (D3) of the shoulder belt on the center side is longer than the diameter (D2) on the shoulder side, and the shoulder belt is formed by using a belt drum having taper portions.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire (1) comprises a radial carcass (2), a tread portion (7) and a belt reinforcing structure (8) extending circumferentially around the carcass (2). Disposed radially outwardly of the belt reinforcing structure (8) is a textile reinforced overlay structure (9) having substantially circumferentially extending cords (10). The overlay structure (9) is composed of a series of helical convolutions of a textile ribbon (11) whereby adjacent helical convolutions of the textile ribbon (11) overlap. There is further disclosed a method of applying multiple layers of a single continuous helically wound textile ribbon (11) in a single continuous operation from one axial side to the other axial side of the belt reinforcing structure (8).

Abstract: A method of producing tire belt comprises a first step of attaching a first belt ply to a forming drum having, at its axial ends, curved portions whose diameters reduce progressively toward axially outer ends of the curved portions. The first belt ply has a width wider than an axial length of the forming drum. The method further comprises a second step of expanding the forming drum so that diameters of the curved portions at axially outermost ends become a predetermined diameter smaller than a maximum diameter of the forming drum in the first step to deform a central portion of the first belt ply following to an outer contour of the forming drum, a third step of foldering ends of the first belt ply at axial outer ends of a second belt ply after attaching the second belt ply to a center portion of the first belt ply outwardly thereof, and a fourth step of attaching a third belt ply in plural layers onto the first and second belt plies outwardly thereof.

Abstract: A heavy duty low-section pneumatic and a process for manufacturing the same are disclosed. This tire comprises a radial carcass toroidally extending between bead portions, a belt composed of a first and second belt layers successively superimposed around a crown portion of the carcass and a tread rubber having substantially the same width as the maximum width of the belt. In the belt, the first belt layer is composed of at least two cord plies each containing cords inclined at a small angle with respect to the equatorial plane of the tire, the cords of which being crossed with each other with respect to the equatorial plane, while the second belt layer is composed of at least one cord ply containing non-expansible or hardly expansible cords arranged in substantially parallel to the equatorial plane and extends over both sides of the first belt layer between the first belt layer and the carcass.

Abstract: To obtain a uniform initial cord tension in an auxiliary layer of a radial tire made up of a toroidal carcass, a belt, the auxiliary layer and a tread rubber, the belt is formed by winding inextensible cords around a drum with a radius of curvature substantially the same as that of a tire tread. Further, when the belt is formed by winding the cords around a flat drum, the auxiliary layer is formed on the belt by winding a heat-shrinkable cord around the belt in spiral fashion in such a way as to apply a higher tension at both the ends of the belt layer than at the center thereof. The radial tire thus manufacture is excellent in high-speed tire durability and tire uniformity, without causing belt separation trouble at high speed.

Abstract: This invention concerns the manufacture of a layer of elastomeric material to form part of a pneumatic tire, and the manufacture of a reinforced elastomeric layer.According to the invention a layer of elastomeric material is formed as a progressive helical winding along a mandrel. The layer may be transferred in cylindrical form to a tire carcass building former to constitute an inner lining for a tire carcass, or a reinforcement filament may be wound over the layer producing a cylindrical reinforced layer which is cut to produce a ply of coated fabric.

Abstract: In the feeding of a strip of tire building material to a former, it is desirable to achieve a butt-joint between the ends of the strip when it has been wrapped fully around the circumference of the former (which may already have some material which has been wrapped around its surface in a previous operation). As the strip is fed to the former, its length is measured and the diameter of the former is adjusted if necessary to match the circumference of the former (and any existing material thereon) to the length of the strip.

Abstract: An annular band is positioned between a tire carcass and the crown portion. The band is comprised of individual laminate sheets that are pre-impregnated with a high fracture toughness resin that resists microtears. The individual sheets of the band are stitched together thereby enhancing the interlaminar shear resistance of the band. The curing process is expedited by co-curing the band, positioned in place, over the tire carcass. A plastic film covers the interface between the band and adjacent rubber to prevent contamination of the interface materials.

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: An apparatus and method wherein strip material is clamped to a shuttle finger slidably mounted in a shuttle casing which in turn is slidably mounted on a strip applier frame. The shuttle casing and shuttle finger are movable simultaneously from a retracted first position to a second position with the end of the shuttle casing adjacent an applicator roll. The shuttle finger is then movable by itself from the second position to a third position for transferring a tongue portion of the strip onto the applicator roll. The tongue portion may then be elevated into clamping engagement with the drum and the strip released from the shuttle finger. The shuttle casing and shuttle finger may then be returned to the first position, the drum rotated a predetermined amount to partially wrap the strip around the drum and the strip cut at a predetermined location whereupon the drum is rotated to fully wrap the strip of flexible material around the drum.

Abstract: A tire breaker comprising at least two breaker plies is assembled on a carrier ring which is movable between ply fitting stations.The ring is mounted on an arm which swings the ring through 90.degree. to each fitting station where the ply is supported on a table. Each end of the ply is then moved from the table on to the ring by means of grippers, and rollers then traverse the ring to ensure that the ply is positioned accurately. The joints formed in successive plies are diametrically opposed to one another.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for applying a tread to a tire, whereby around a toroidal tire a layer of non-vulcanized rubber is applied, which will form the tread area of the tire after vulcanization in the vulcanization press; and whereby the thus prepared tire is vulcanized in vulcanization press. According to the invention, before the vulcanization of the thus prepared tire in a vulcanization press, portions of the layer of non-vulcanized rubber are removed by peeling or by forming peels of non-vulcanized rubber, so that the shape of the peeled tire is adapted to the shape of the vulcanization press. The invention also relates to a machine for carrying out the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A tire consisting of an air-tight internal panel (1), carcass (2), wire cap (10), hump strip (9), belt (5), tread (6), shoulder portion (7), wire core (11) and lateral portion (8), whereby a combined prefabricated air-tight panel (1) with carcass fabric (2) in special rubber mixture encircles at least twice and on which is at least a double encircling coil (5) with textile treads crossing each other in more than three layers.

Abstract: A process for making a radial tire comprises steps of transforming a cylindrical tire carcass assembly into a toroidal shape, laying over a given number of belts, winding a plurality of synthetic fiber threads, laying over a tread cap, transforming the tire carcass assembly to such an extent that the upper surface thereof contacts substantially all over the lower surface of the belts, joining integrally these tire components to form a green tire, and subjecting the green tire to vulcanization in a vulcanizing mold.The synthetic fiber threads are wound over the belts in the circumferential direction with a space of 5 mm to 15 mm left between each adjacent thread in the range of more than 70% of the width of the belts.

Abstract: To "set" the relative angular disposition of cords in plural inextensible belts on an inflated green tire carcass before it is cured in a mold, a roller is provided which momentarily presses a belt upon the carcass, thus "printing" the belt thereon at a fixed distance from the longitudinal axis of the carcass, and thereafter releases the belt. The carcass is inflated into a toroidal shape so that a point on the circumference of the carcass is at a predetermined inflated distance from the longitudinal axis of the carcass. The roller is placed on each belt to be "set" so that the roller contacts each belt prior to printing it on the carcass. The roller biases each belt on the carcass toward its (the carcass') longitudinal axis, and it is essential that the distance between the bottom surface of the roller and the longitudinal axis of the inflated carcass is maintained constant while each belt is in contact with the roller.

Abstract: A belt, band or other tire component folding machine and method are characterized by a rotatable and expandable drum comprising a substantially rigid cylindrical deck having a precisely formed peripheral deck edge and an inflatable bladder assembly positioned slightly axially and radially inwardly subjacent the deck edge which cooperate to define a precise fold line along the deck edge at which a ply or belt band or the like is precisely and sharply folded. Preferably, dual inflatable bladders are employed at each end of the deck, one bladder being contiguous to the other and arranged on inflation to walk up the precisely formed and contoured deck edge to turn up the overhanging band end, and the other arranged to push the first bladder axially inwardly to complete the fold of the band flat upon itself. A preferred form of deck comprises a plurality of readily replaceable segments which are mounted in a self-aligning manner on a radially expandable and rotatable hub.

Abstract: A tape-applying apparatus (10) is advanced toward a body (15) upon which a strip of tape (16) is to be applied to urge a plurality of stitching rollers (72,74) against the body (15). Further advancing of the apparatus (10) will move an applicator roller (42) and the end of the tape (16) into engagement with the body (15). As the body (15) is moved past the tape-applying apparatus (10), the tape (16) is pulled over the applicator roller (42) and is stitched to the body (15) by the stitching rollers (72,74). When sufficient tape (16) has been applied, the housing (20) of the tape-applying apparatus (10) is urged away from the body (15) which moves the applicator roller (42) out of contact with the body (15). A brake apparatus (94) on the housing (20) is activated by a cam recess (80) on the holders (50) for some of the stitching rollers (72). The brake apparatus (94) engages the applicator roller (42) to arrest further feeding of tape (16) to the body (15).

Abstract: A tape-applying apparatus (10) is advanced toward a body (15) upon which a strip of tape (16) is to be applied to urge a plurality of stitching rollers (72,74) against the body (15). Further advancing of the apparatus (10) will move an applicator roller (42) and the end of the tape (16) into engagement with the body (15). As the body (15) is moved past the tape-applying apparatus (10), the tape (16) is pulled over the applicator roller (42) and is stitched to the body (15) by the stitching rollers (72,74). When sufficient tape (16) has been applied, the housing (20) of the tape-applying apparatus (10) is urged away from the body (15) which moves the applicator roller (42) out of contact with the body (15). A brake apparatus (94) on the housing (20) is activated by a cam recess (80) on the holders (50) for some of the stitching rollers (72). The brake apparatus (94) engages the applicator roller (42) to arrest further feeding of tape (16) to the body (15).

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for winding tread stock onto a tire by stretching the relatively thin strip of vulcanizable strip as it is being applied to a rotating tire wherein the windings of the strip overlap each other in a stretched condition to provide a uniform contour at any cross section of the tire eliminating air pockets and enhances bonding of the adjacent and overlying stock.

Abstract: A control system for an elastomer extrusion and application apparatus (10,16) including an extrusion rate measuring device (60,200) for receiving a ribbon (12) of extruded elastomer and for providing a signal representing the rate of extrusion, a drive (18) for moving an article (14) to have the ribbon of extruded elastomer applied thereto in a predetermined path, an applicator (16,20,22) along the path for receiving the ribbon and applying the same to the article, a resolver (176) connected to the applicator for providing a signal representative of the rate of application of the ribbon to the article, and a control (FIG. 5) for controlling the speed of the article drive including a circuit for receiving the signals and adjusting the speed of the drive to match a desired proportion between the rate of extrusion and the rate of application.

Abstract: The invention relates to the formation of a tire tread profile by the application of rubber tread material upon a tire casing by employing a micro-computer programmer in conjunction with a tread material applicator apparatus. The control system employed during tread formation uses a programmer having a micro-computer unit, a floppy disk and a keyboard, interfaced with a tread material application apparatus.In operation, the programmer is connected to a drive motor of the tire tread application assembly and operates under the control of a tire profile program stored in the floppy disk. Proper tread profile shape is arrived at as a function of the digital ratio between the actual position of the tire rotation and the transverse position of the tire tread applicator assembly. The latter is digitally controlled within the parameters of a preprogrammed set of commands, as a direct and sole function of the position of the tire casing about its spin axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for producing an elastomeric extrudate having a constant cross section area. The extrudate is shaped in to a ribbon through a roller die and applied to a tire surface mounted on a rotating spindle. Digital electronic circuitry is employed to provide precise shaft synchronization at a pre-selected rotational velocity ratio between the rotating shafts. The synchronization assures repeatable velocity synchronization between the source of elastomeric material and a take-up device at the axis of rotation of the two components. The elastomeric material is extruded in a manner permitting control over the wrap operation and the amount of elastomeric material employed for a given cycle.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are pneumatic tire building method and apparatus for applying a continuous rubber strip on a tire carcass preliminarily wrapped around a tire building drum to produce a pneumatic tire having a tread rubber portion and one or more side rubber portions both of which or any one of which consists of different rubber materials. A pair of calender rollers are positioned in opposing and spaced relation with each other and each having a rotational axis parallel to that of said tire building drum, and at least one comparment plate is vertically disposed on and between said calender rollers in perpendicular relation with said rotational axes of said calender rollers and having a lower edge contoured in sliding contact with said calender rollers. At least one separator relatively movably mounted on said compartment plate and having a lower edge contoured in sliding contact with said calender rollers to separate and joint said calendered rubber materials.

Abstract: A programming apparatus for use with a machine applying successive wraps of rubber on a tire surface during a retreading operation. The contour of the layers to be deposited is translated upon a template device by positioning of select metallic contacts. In turn, the number of wraps for a given arcuate distance are more finely defined upon a second template device. The second template being indexed with a series of metallic contacts. The entire operation is controlled electrically such that successive movement of the tire surface is correlated to arcuate distance.