Abstract: A method of forming a seal assembly for sealing a space between a first member having a central axis and an outer surface and a second member having a radially-extending axial surface includes the following steps: providing an elongated elastomeric body and a biasing member, the elongated body having opposing ends and a generally V-shaped groove generally along a length of the body between the two ends; bending the elongated body circumferentially about the first member outer surface; coupling the ends of the elongated body to form an annular seal body; and positioning the biasing member within the groove such that the biasing member exerts a radially-inwardly directed force on the annular seal body so as to substantially prevent relative angular displacement between the seal body and the first member.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire includes a plurality of springs. Each spring includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and an arching middle portion. Each spring is interwoven with at least one other spring thereby forming a toroidal structure extending about an entire circumference of the non-pneumatic tire. The toroidal structure is at least partially coated with an elastomer. One end portion of at least one spring is secured to a first bead spring adjacent a rim.

Abstract: An apparatus makes a base layer of solid tire blanks having a radially inner rubber-under-core-ply, a middle core ply and a radially outer covering layer and includes a pivoting block having first and second winding drums and a winding system for depositing the rubber-under-core ply and the covering layer on the winding drums. A laying unit has a wire feeder and deposits the core ply on the winding drums. The pivot block defines an axis and is pivotable between first and second positions and is arranged between the winding system and the laying unit causing the first drum to be assigned to the winding system and the second drum to be assigned to the laying unit in the first position. The pivoting block pivots to the second position causing the first drum to foe assigned to the wire feeder and the second drum to be assigned to the winding system.

Abstract: A tire unloading apparatus for separating a cured tire from a toroidally shaped segmented core body configured to carry the cured tire includes a plurality of tire engaging paddle mechanisms positioned in a spaced apart circular array defining a cured tire receiving central opening, the cured tire mounted to a core body. The paddle mechanisms operatively move between a radially outward tire release position and a radially inward tire gripping position. The tire unloading apparatus further includes a core segment manipulating apparatus operative to move individual core segments from a radially outward tire supporting core body position to a radially inward segment removal position. A plurality of segment support arms forming a circular array below the tire receiving opening are in an operative location to support respective core body segments.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire includes a plurality of springs. Each spring comprises a first end portion, a second end portion, and an arching middle portion. Each spring is interwoven with at least one other spring thereby forming a toroidal structure extending about an entire circumference of the non-pneumatic tire. The toroidal structure is at least partially coated with an elastomer.

Abstract: A composite solid tire, including a worn solid rubber tire having a remaining rubber layer, and a thermo-setting polyurethane elastomer layer which is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the rubber layer.

Abstract: A tire, and an apparatus and method for forming a tire. The tire may either be a tubed or tubeless tire, and is filled with a mixture of virgin rubber and small rubber pieces. Preferably, a machine grinds the core of used flatproofed tires, or pieces thereof, into a finely communicated pulverulent. The pulverent is mixed with liquid virgin flatproofing material, such as a polyurethane. An injector introduces this mixture, into the core of a tire, typically through a valve. The core of the tire is preferably substantially filled with this mixture. The injector may take the form of one or more elongated screws and the mixing may occur as the ground rubber is being conveyed by the screw.

Abstract: A tire, and an apparatus and method for forming a tire. The tire may either be a tubed or tubeless tire, and is filled with a mixture of virgin rubber and small rubber pieces. Preferably, a machine grinds the core of used flatproofed tires, or pieces thereof, into a finely communicated pulverulent. The pulverent is mixed with liquid virgin flatproofing material, such as a polyurethane. An injector introduces this mixture, into the core of a tire, typically through a valve. The core of the tire is preferably substantially filled with this mixture. The injector may take the form of one or more elongated screws and the mixing may occur as the ground rubber is being conveyed by the screw.

Abstract: A tire, and an apparatus and method for forming a tire. The tire may either be a tubed or tubeless tire, and is filled with a mixture of virgin rubber and small rubber pieces. Preferably, a machine grinds the core of used flatproofed tires, or pieces thereof, into a finely communicated pulverulent. The pulverent is mixed with liquid virgin flatproofing material, such as a polyurethane. An injector introduces this mixture, into the core of a tire, typically through a valve. The core of the tire is preferably substantially filled with this mixture. The injector may take the form of one or more elongated screws and the mixing may occur as the ground rubber is being conveyed by the screw.

Abstract: An improved means for retreading a solid tire is disclosed. The retreading means comprises wrapping uncured rubber around the periphery of the tire, clamping the tire body and uncured rubber assembly in a C mold comprising a tread ring and a sidewall ring and curing the tire.

Abstract: A laminating and coating system is employed with a gravure or flexographic set up using an enclosed doctor blade system with recirculation to coat adhesive onto a film and then laminate it to another film. The preferred adhesive is a two-stage epoxy consisting of a zero VOC 100% solids laminating adhesive having a mixed viscosity of 200-400 cps with the viscosity remaining within a desired range of 50-110 degrees F for up to 3 hours that will cure at ambient temperature. The adhesive is solventless and is unaffected by moisture. The adhesive consists of ingredients which make it permissible for use as an adhesive for laminations of films designed for food packaging pursuant to F.D.A. Regulation 175.105.

Abstract: A spin casting apparatus, method of manufacture for producing a molded article from a polyurethane material, shown as a non-pneumatic tire, where a mold that is formed in sections or halves and has an inner cavity formed to have the shape of the article to be manufactured and is separable to release that article after manufacture. The mold is secured to a support plate of the apparatus that is journaled to turn axially imparting a centrifugal force into the mold. The support plate is connected to or is arranged to be connected to a motor assembly for turning, and includes a clamping arrangement for maintaining the mold halves together on the support plate. An annular trough is formed in the mold immediately adjacent to a mold interior cavity inner circumference to receive a polyurethane material liquid passed thereto, and to, in turn, pass that liquid through a trough annular opening or ports into the mold cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding a tire with an annular reinforcement below the tread surface includes a first set of molding segments for molding a tire, a winding mechanism for winding a flexible reinforcement band or thread about the molded tire under tension and a second group of molding segments for molding a tread surface portion about the reinforced tire body.

Abstract: Inner tubes for pneumatic tires including a toric cushion made from an elastomer material having cells independent of each other.A process for manufacturing such inner tubes with a mold for preforming and vulcanizing semi-toric elements, the mold includes fingers for molding recessed cavities and an incorporated heating network, the preformed semi-toric elements having undergone a first vulcanization are then joined together and subjected to a second vulcanization in an appropriate apparatus.

Abstract: A method for recapping a solid tire with precured tread rubber is disclosed. The method comprises preparing a used solid tire for recapping, including buffing down the tire to remove the old tread and to prepare the surface; applying intermediate bonding material including cushion gum; adding precured padding stock for a base layer where needed; applying and splicing together the precured tread rubber strip; placing wicking material across the tread rubber surface, for air bleeding; enveloping the tire; placing the enveloped tire assembly in a curing module having annular sealing means that can be pressed against the envelope at both tire sidewalls to form a sealed space around the envelope; and supplyng heat and pressure in the space to press the envelope and tread rubber against the tire carcass while curing the internal layer(s) of bonding material, thereby securing the layers together and forming an integral retreaded tire.

Abstract: A fixture for bonding an elastomeric solid tire to a rim of a wheel. The fixture has mating first and second die portions defining an annular cavity constructed and arranged to receive the wheel and the tire with a bonding agent therebetween to be cured. The cavity and the tire define a circumferentially continuous passage into which a fluid is admitted under pressure to urge the tire radially inward into firm engagement with the rim of the wheel and heating elements are disposed radially inward of and adjacent the rim to raise the rim to an elevated temperature to cure the bonding agent and thereby firmly adhere the tire to the wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided whereby the three components (sidewalls and tread) of a pneumatic tire are moulded in a single press operation using two transfer units charged with uncured rubber which are located in the press so as to discharge to the mould cavities when the press is closed, after which the press is opened to allow removal of the transfer units, (the moulded components remaining in the press) and then reclosed to assemble the components together. Each transfer unit comprises at least one reservoir for uncured rubber defined between parts of the unit which are relatively movable under the action of the press to transfer the rubber from the reservoir(s) to associated mould cavities.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming annular articles from elongated workpieces of thermoplastic material is provided with clamps for grasping the ends of the workpiece, and a heating plate with two opposed surfaces; the clamps apply the ends of the workpiece to the plate to heat them and then bring the ends together.