Abstract: A method of manufacturing components for a tire for vehicle wheels includes the steps of picking up a toroidal support using a robotized arm, feeding at least one elongated element from a delivery member disposed adjacent to the outer surface of the toroidal support, giving the toroidal support a rotatory motion around a geometric axis of rotation of the toroidal support so that the at least one elongated element is circumferentially distributed onto the toroidal support, and carrying out controlled relative displacements, for transverse distribution, between the toroidal support and the delivery member to form with the at least one elongated element a plurality of coils disposed mutually in side-by-side relationship in order to define a tire component. A method of manufacturing a tire, an apparatus for manufacturing components for a tire, a plant for making tires, and a tire including the manufactured components are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tread band applicator device is provided for building a tread band on a tire carcass and includes a press applicator head for applying a tread band raw material mass onto the tire carcass as the tire carcass is rotated. The press applicator head is movable along the direction of the axis of rotation of the tire carcass in correspondence with the curvature of the outer surface of the tire carcass and is operable to apply the tread band raw material in a width which is less than the width of the tire carcass. The press applicator head is a component of an extruder which is mounted for movement about a plurality of axes.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a tire carcass having bead portions which are substantially free from cut surfaces of carcass cords. The apparatus includes a substantially toroidal carrier for supporting a rubber member of a tire. An indexing mechanism causes an indexing movement of the carrier by a predetermined angle about a rotational axis of the carrier. A feed mechanism continuously feed a carcass cord toward an outer surface of the carrier, wherein the feed mechanism are reciprocable in the axial direction of the carrier within a surface region thereof, that extends axially of the carrier at least between positions of the carrier corresponding to a bead portion and a tread end portion of a tire, respectively. Pressure mechanisms forming at least a pair are arranged adjacent to opposite ends of the surface region of the carrier, respectively, so that the carcass cord fed from the feed mechanism is wound about the respective pressure mechanisms and urged thereby toward the outer surface of the carrier.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing a pneumatic tire, in which carcass plies are formed by applying carcass cords over an outer surface of a toroidal core along cord paths extending in a meridian direction of the core are disclosed. A zigzag shaped carcass cord arrangement is formed by applying a carcass cord on an outer surface of an imaginary column axially of the imaginary column and sequentially engaging the carcass cord around hook pins arranged at opposite axial end portions of the outer surface of the imaginary column. The core is moved toward the carcass cord arrangement so that a center axis and an equatorial plane of the core are matched with a center axis and an axial center plane of the imaginary column, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for the helical winding of an essentially band or strip-shaped reinforcing element onto at least one ply of a pneumatic tire blank. The apparatus includes a rotating tire or belt build-up drum, a winding wheel disposed upstream of the drum and connected with devices for applying tension to the reinforcing element, and sensors that detect the position of the reinforcing element on the winding wheel, and the tension applied to the reinforcing element, and convey these values to a control device. The winding wheel is connected with a motor for driving or slowing the winding wheel, whereby at least two tensioning and guide rollers are radially spaced relative to the winding wheel such that the reinforcing element, which is guided over the winding wheel, forms a defined looping angle.

Abstract: Reinforced ply material having a plurality of reinforcement elements (e.g., steel monofilaments) embedded in an elastomeric (e.g., rubber) sheet. The reinforcement elements are grouped in untwisted sets and each set includes a plurality of reinforcement elements. In an apparatus and/or method for making the reinforced ply material, the reinforcement elements are guided by a guide insert having passages corresponding to the desired grouped arrangement of the reinforcement elements. The reinforced ply material can be used to make steel belts for pneumatic tires.

Abstract: An apparatus for making rubber component parts such as tire rubber parts comprises: a tape maker for making an unvulcanized rubber tape which comprises an extruder for extruding unvulcanized rubber; a winding drum around which the unvulcanized rubber tape is wound into a rubber component part; a conveyor for conveying the unvulcanized rubber tape toward the winding drum which comprises a conveyor belt winding around rollers and having a right side on which the unvulcanized rubber tape is put; and a traverser for moving the conveyor belt in the axial direction of the winding drum.

Abstract: A method and equipment for mixing hard granules into tire tread bodies and into sundry rubber strips and tread stock. Rubber stock is extruded into tread bands of a suitable shape which are rolled under control, in a suitable thickness and number of layers, in a circular process over a pre-treated tire, or other object. The tire is subsequently patterned and vulcanized. The hard granules are distributed according to a predetermined configuration onto at least part of the surface of the extruded rubber tread band before the next layer is rolled in a circular process onto the pre-treated tire, using dedicated equipment so that the granules will be mixed into the patterned wearing surface of the tire after profiling and vulcanization.

Abstract: A cord is supplied continuously and on demand by a suitable distributor. The apparatus is used with a revolving form (1) on which the reinforcement is progressively built up by depositing sections of the cord along a desired trajectory for the cord on the surface of the form. The apparatus comprises an element for depositing the cord on the surface of the form (1), describing an alternating path between two turning points, pressers close to the turning points in order to apply the cord to the form at the ends of the trajectory, acting synchronously with the depositing element, a mobile guide (5) disposed opposite the form, in the space between the form and the path described by the depositing element, a fixed guide (6) substantially parallel to the mobile guide (5), control means for moving the mobile guide (5) in a circumferential direction, and motorization means for synchronously piloting the depositing element, the pressers, and the control means of the mobile guide (5).

Abstract: The present invention provides a radial tire forming apparatus capable of being applied to the formation of a carcass band having a large folding length. On a housing for a rollover device of the tire forming apparatus, a plurality of sets of straight rail bearers are fixed at appropriate places, so that a frame provided with rails is advanced toward or retreated from a second forming point on the carcass forming former side by a cylinder fixed to the housing. The diameter of a first rollover ring is slightly smaller than the diameter of a second rollover ring. When the rollover rings are brought closest to each other, the cylindrical portions of the rings enter and lap on each other.

Abstract: An oscillating arm apparatus for manufacturing a tire reinforcement from a single cord in which the cord is deposited in contiguous arches on a rigid core by a system of arms arranged in series conveying an eyelet in such a way as to allow it to traverse a core and thus deposit adjacent arches.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for highly efficiently forming a tire reinforcing layer, such as a carcass ply or belt ply, either directly or indirectly on a rubber member which is supported on a rigid core having a toroidal shape. According to the invention, a continuous strip of reinforcing material comprised of a plurality of single cords or twisted cords is cut into reinforcing elements having a predetermined length. The reinforcing elements are successively fed to the rubber member from one side of the core, synchronously with an indexing movement of the core about its center axis. The reinforcing elements are then urged against the outer surface of the rubber member on the core along their longitudinal direction and thereby progressively pressure-joined to the rubber member.

Abstract: A tire building machine for building a tread strip onto a carcass is provided and includes a carcass support on which the carcass is rotatably mounted, and a tread strip feed device via which a tread strip is fed onto the carcass. The tread strip feed device includes a linear path support assembly on which a tread strip is supported in a substantially linear disposition. The path support assembly extends from one end of the tread strip feed device at which a cutting device may perform a cutting operation to an end adjacent the carcass. The tread strip feed device is raisable to a feed position at which the tread strip extends tangentially relative to the carcass for feeding the tread strip thereonto in a tire building process.

Abstract: The thread 4, intended to form a carcass reinforcement, is laid in continguous hoops on a rigid core 1 by a system with at least two oscillating arms transporting an orifice 6 so as to enable it to pass over a core 1 and thus lay adjacent hoops.

Abstract: Tyre building drum with turn-up apparatus for building an unvulcanized tyre with tyre components (1, 2) and two bead cores (3, 4) with high bead filling strips (4′). Said drum has two ring segments (6, 7) spaced from each other in order to support a bead core, drum segments (8, 9, 10, 11, 12) placed on the outside of each ring segment in order to support the tyre components. Said drum further has means to radially expand that part of the tyre components which is situated between the ring segments.

Abstract: A rubber material for tire-constitutional member is laid on a rotating support at a high efficiency and a high accuracy by arranging a pair of rollers rotating in opposite directions in the vicinity of a radially outer surface portion of the support and utilizing a gap defined between the rollers as a roller die.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for highly efficiently forming a tire reinforcing layer on an outer peripheral surface of a rigid core (13), in which ribbon pieces (33) each comprised of parallel rubber-coated cords (17) are successively adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the core (13) in a circumferential direction thereof, with the side edges of the ribbon pieces in close contact with those of adjacent ribbon pieces. A plurality of cords (17) can be set by one adhering operation, thereby reducing the number of adhering operations in forming a tire reinforcing layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying tread material onto a tire is provided and applies uncured tread material to the carcass of a tire having a tread surface and a flank. The apparatus includes an extruder for extruding a selected one of a rubber and a synthetic material mixture and a first applicator device orientable toward the tread surface of the carcass. The apparatus also includes a second applicator device disposed adjacent the first applicator device and orientable toward the flank of the carcass. The apparatus further includes an extrusion nozzle extending between the first applicator device and the second applicator device for passage therethrough of the mixture extruded by the extruder.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing tires, in which a carcass layer is formed by continuously feeding a carcass cord from a cord passage and applying the carcass cord over an outer peripheral surface of a substantially toroidal core so as to extend in a meridian direction of the core while the core is subjected to an indexing movement in its circumferential direction. The carcass cord is arranged so as to extend linearly from one end to the other end of the core with respect to a meridian direction thereof, and vice versa, under the operation of a feed mechanism which is capable of achieving a reciprocating movement. A turn-up portion of the carcass cord is wound on, and supported by a pin at the end of the core in the meridian direction, and subsequently adhered onto the core by a press head which can be advanced relative to the pin.

Abstract: An oscillating arm apparatus for manufacturing a tire reinforcement from a single cord in which the cord is deposited in contiguous arches on a rigid core by a system of arms arranged in series conveying an eyelet in such a way as to allow it to traverse a core and thus deposit adjacent arches.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a radial tire is disclosed, wherein a tread ring is formed separately from a tire main body by the use of a tread ring forming apparatus. The radial tire comprises a belt having a camber and a band wound thereon. The tread ring is an annular assembly of a raw belt, a raw band wound thereon and a raw tread rubber. The tread ring forming apparatus comprising a belt drum made up of segments defining the drum circumference. In a cross section including the belt drum axis, the radially outer surface of each segment is a straight line parallel to the axis. In a cross section normal to the belt drum axis, the radially outer surface is an arc having one radius substantially equal to one half of the drum diameter, but the drum circumference is decreased in the belt edge portion than the central portion by increasing gaps between the segments.

Abstract: A thread guide for an apparatus for the manufacture of a reinforcement from a thread deposited directly in its final position by projecting lengths of the thread for laying the thread onto a receiving surface in which a pair of deflectors is provided for guiding and controlling the braking pressure exerted on the threads before discharge from a projection orifice and in which at least one deflector is adjusted relative to the other by pivotally adjusting the deflector and locking it in place.

Abstract: A toroidal carcass is formed using a toroidal frame defined by two annular beads and by a removable outer ring divided into angular sectors; a winding device for feeding a spool, housing a cord, about and through the frame from a first to a last of the angular sectors; and an actuating device, which, before the cord is wound completely, moves the first angular sector into an operating position defining, with the last angular sector, an opening for the passage of the spool.

Abstract: The machine for manufacturing a tire carcass half-reinforcement from a single filament wrapped around a bead wire which includes: bead wire holders operated by actuating cylinders, allowing said bead wire to be held in a predetermined position; a ring which has half as many hooks as there will be arches of carcass filament contained in the tire that is to be manufactured, the ring being held a predetermined distance away from said bead wire; a reel of filament which is moved in the central space of the bead wire, wrapped around it, the path crossing the plane of the ring and passing radially inside it; and a mechanism for hooking the filament onto each of the hooks.

Abstract: A method of forming a green tire according to the present invention comprises winding a rubber strip on an adjusting drum while extruding an unvulcanized rubber from an extruder in a form of the rubber strip in a length corresponding to the rubber quantity of a tire constituent portion, and forming the tire constituent portion by winding said rubber strip continuously a plurality of times on the outer circumference of a rotary support member, unwinding it from the adjusting drum.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a radial tire is disclosed, wherein a tread ring is formed separately from a tire main body by the use of a tread ring forming apparatus. The radial tire comprises a belt having a camber and a band wound thereon. The tread ring is an annular assembly of a raw belt, a raw band wound thereon and a raw tread rubber. The tread ring forming apparatus comprising a belt drum made up of segments defining the drum circumference. In a cross section including the belt drum axis, the radially outer surface of each segment is a straight line parallel to the axis. In a cross section normal to the belt drum axis, the radially outer surface is an arc having one radius substantially equal to one half of the drum diameter, but the drum circumference is decreased in the belt edge portion than the central portion by increasing gaps between the segments.

Abstract: The apparatus for the manufacture of a reinforcement from a thread deposited directly in its final position by projecting lengths of the thread for laying the thread onto a receiving surface (S). The apparatus includes an assembly (5) comprising rollers (15) for the advancing of thread (1), a rotary conduit (2), a knife (3) for cutting the thread and freeing a length (10) upon each turn of said rotary conduit (2), and a thread guide (4) to receive the cut lengths of thread. The thread guide comprises deflectors (43) exerting a pressure on the thread. The pressure of the deflectors can be adjusted by screws (7).

Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacture of a reinforcement from a thread directed in its final position by projecting lengths of the thread for laying the thread onto a receiving surface (S). The apparatus includes an assembly (5) having rollers (15) for the advancing of thread (1), a rotary conduit (2), a knife (3) for cutting the thread and freeing a length (10) upon each turn of said rotary conduit (2), and a thread guide (4) to receive the cut lengths of thread. The thread guide includes a cradle (41) provided with a fastening surface (42) which permits the detachable mounting of said thread guide (4) to said assembly (5).

Abstract: Assembly for building a green or non-vulcanized tire for vehicles, such as passenger cars, the assembly being provided with two, separately drivable, building drums (13, 16), in line with each other, for the belt and the tread; two carcass drums (40, 40') located parallel to each other, mounted on a common, rotatable shaft (39), the rotatable shaft being rotatable such that the one Carcass drum (40) and the other carcass drum (40'), respectively, can be in line with the building drums; a first (14) and a second (19) transfer ring, both movably disposed on a transfer track (18), the first transfer ring (14) being movable between the belt building drums (13, 16) and the second transfer ring (19) being movable between the carcass drums (40, 40') and the closest building drum; a breaker ply servicer (30) and a cap ply unit (31) for supplying tire components to a first building drum (13); a tread servicer (32) and a winding unit (15) for supplying tire components to a building drum; a bead holding (27) and bead pl

Abstract: A control apparatus and method for a coating device utilize a measurement system to determine whether a body supplied to the coating device is acceptable for coating and/or to establish template data in preparation for a coating operation. The measurement system also obtains measurements of a body while the body is being coated, and these measurements are used to control the coating operation.

Abstract: The machine for manufacturing a tire carcass half-reinforcement from a sie filament wrapped around a bead wire which includes: bead wire holders operated by actuating cylinders, allowing said bead wire to be held in a predetermined position; a ring which has half as many hooks as there will be arches of carcass filament contained in the tire that is to be manufactured, the ring being held a predetermined distance away from said bead wire; a reel of filament which is moved in the central space of the bead wire, wrapped around it, the path crossing the plane of the ring and passing radially inside it; and a mechanism for hooking the filament onto each of the hooks.

Abstract: A winding unit (14) for forming a toroidal carcass (1) by winding a textile cord (5) in a spiral about a toroidal frame (7) defined by two coaxial annular beads (2) and by a removable annular element (9) located outwards of the beads (2) to define, with the beads (2), two annular openings (11); the unit (14) presenting a plate element (16) releasably connectable to the annular element (9), and a sprocket chain (27) supporting a spool (43) for the cord (5), and movable continuously, along a groove (25) formed on the plate element (16) and defining an endless path (P), to form a toroidal reticulated structure (4) about the annular element (9) and the beads (2); the endless path (P) presenting a C-shaped branch (P1) extending, in use, about the annular element (9), and an omega-shaped branch (P2) extending about a hole (21) for the passage of a respective bead (2), about the annular element (9), and through the two annular openings (11).

Abstract: A thread, intended to form a carcass reinforcement, is wound in contiguous hoops on a rigid core through an eyelet fastened on a chain mounted on pulleys arranged around the core. The eyelet carries out a reciprocating movement around the core so as to progressively and contiguously lay a hoop upon each forward movement and a hoop upon each return movement.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for arranging cut lengths of reinforcement cords in parallel on a moving rubber surface by feeding the cord into successive cord receiving receptacles on a rotor, cutting predetermined lengths of the cords introduced into the receptacles, removing the cords from the receptacles by a comb which intermeshes with the rotor and advancing and guiding the parallel cords onto the moving rubber surface.

Abstract: A tire building system comprises a band drum, a shaping drum, and a belt forming machine having two oscillating or rotating belt drums, in which the band drum and the shaping drum are arranged on the same axis in opposing relationship, a band transfer is disposed therebetween on the axis in such a manner as to reciprocate, the belt forming machine is arranged in parallel to the axis, and a belt transfer is disposed between the belt drum and the shaping drum in such a manner as to move in the axial direction and the direction normal to the axis.

Abstract: A thread, intended to form a carcass reinforcement, is wound in contiguous hoops on a rigid core through an eyelet fastened on a chain mounted on pulleys arranged around the core. The eyelet carries out a reciprocating movement around the core so as to progressively and contiguously lay a hoop upon each forward movement and a hoop upon each return movement.

Abstract: In a tire building apparatus comprising a band drum 1, a shaping drum 2, and a belt forming machine 101 having two belt drums 3 which can be oscillated or cyclically moved, the band drum 1 and the belt forming machine 101 are disposed on the same axis in opposing relationship, the shaping drum 2 is disposed so that it can be reciprocated between the position on the aforesaid axis and the standby position while maintaining the parallel condition with respect to the aforesaid axis, and a band transfer 4 and a belt transfer 5 are disposed so that they can be reciprocated along the aforesaid axis between the band drum 1 and the belt forming machine 101.

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: An apparatus for winding a narrow belt-shaped member in zigzag around a drum. The apparatus includes a support base, and a reciprocative motion device for reciprocatively moving the support base substantially along an axis of the drum between both ends of a predetermined region to maintain the distance between the drum and the support base at a constant value. The apparatus further includes a rocking base supported by the support base rockably about a rocking axis which is a normal to the outer surface of the drum, a rocking device for rocking the rocking base, and an attaching roller supported on the rocking base rotatably about an axis substantially in parallel with the axis of the drum for urging and attaching the supplied belt-shaped member to the drum after being wound partially around the attaching roller.

Abstract: A method and device for producing a toroidal road vehicle tire carcass, the carcass presenting an annular frame rotated about its axis in relation to a knotting device located outside the frame and employing two continuous cords for producing, on the frame, a number of substantially radial, elongated reinforcing elements, each defined by a loop. Each loop is formed by winding in a U, an intermediate portion of a respective cord, wound about a respective annular bead forming part of the frame, and which is drawn towards the other bead and connected to a corresponding loop in the other cord to form with the same a reticulated "boucle" structure enclosing the two beads.

Abstract: The tire reinforcements are made from a single cord, a section (40) of which is advanced over a rigid core (2) until at least its central portion is opposite its final position on the support, whereupon folders (5) apply the section (40) radially against the core (2) by means of tappets (50) which act on the length (40) in the manner of a finger. The repetition of the same cycle as many times as there are lengths of cord in the reinforcement makes it possible to produce the complete reinforcement.

Abstract: A method and device for producing a toroidal road vehicle tire carcass having a toroidal frame rotated about its axis in relation to a winding device and defined by two coaxial annular beads and by a removable outer annular element located radially outwards of and centered axially in relation to the two beads, so as to define, with the same, two annular openings; the winding device providing for winding at least one cord about the frame along a spiral path, each turn of which comprises two portions, a first extending outside the frame, and a second extending outside the outer annular element and through both the openings.

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: An apparatus to apply circular strips to pneumatic tires while still mounted on their wheels' rims comprising a turntable with a centered, spring supported member having a conical surface, which is slidable vertically on a shaft that rotates the turntable. The tire is horizontally disposed and frictionally engages the table while held by the centering member. The tire's sidewall is cleaned and then roughened by a chemical roughner. An application wheel supported from the turntable's framework via an adjustable bracket which includes a telescopic horizontal member is adjusted to bear directly against the sidewall at the desired location and inclination. The housing carries electrically energized heating cartridges to heat the surface to 150.degree. C., or alternatively receives a heating block for the same purpose. A preprepared strip is mounted on a spool supported adjacent the housing.

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: An apparatus for calendering cords with elastomeric material which has a main guide board and guide rolls located at the entrance side of the main guide board, with the guide rolls being located along columns of holes in the main guide board and being freely rotatably supported, the guide rolls making the inclined angles of cords, relative to the centerline of the holes, smaller near the holes in order to reduce the friction between the cords and the holes so as to consequently reduce the problem of curling of the coated cords.

Abstract: A cord retention arm for use in an apparatus for making a tire reinforcement from a continuous cord and applying the reinforcement to a tire core. The cord retention arm includes an extended support having a bent end terminating in a tip for supporting a loop of the cord. The extended support includes a portion spaced more remotely from the bent end and a portion intermediate the more remote portion and the bent end, the portions being bent with respect to each other to define a plane, the said bent end extending laterally and diagonally to the plane.

Abstract: A pair of hooks for the manufacture of a tire reinforcement from a cord in which one of the hooks (32) is articulated relative to the other hook (31). It is designed in such a manner as to permit hooking of a loop of cord on both hooks, to insure grasping of one and only one strand of the loop of the cord by the second hook (32) to maintain the loop open for the insertion of a bead wire, and to optimize the position of the hooks during both the hooking and the unhooking phases.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the manufacture of an annular uncured elastomeric component for a tire. The component (11) is formed on a disc-like mandrel (10) comprising a flexible support (12) having a frustoconical surface on which a strip of unvulcanized elastomeric material is wound to form the component, and a rigid carrier (13) on which the support (12) is mounted. The carrier (13) is adapted for mounting on a turning head (31) for rotation of the mandrel as the strip is laid onto said receiving surface. The flexible support (12) is used as a carrier to transfer the formed component to another tire building location.

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.