Abstract: A tire-enhancement product has a container comprising a dissolvable packaging material; and a solute encased in the container that is inert to the solute. The container is configured to be placed in an interior volume of a tire, to which solvent can be added. The container is configured to dissolve when placed in a predetermined solvent, and the solute is configured to mix with the solvent to form a tire-enhancement mixture.

Abstract: A process for balancing a rim and tire, which comprises first balancing the rim, then mounting the tire, properly inflating it and balancing a second time to determine the location and weight of balancing required. The tire and rim are then indexed with marks to indicate where the balancing weights should be placed. These indexing marks will be used at the remounting stage to assure proper balancing. The tire is then deflated and removed from the rim and the correct mass rubberized weights are vulcanized to the internal surface of the tire sidewall at the indexing mark and on the opposite sidewall across from the indexing mark. The tire is then installed back on the rim with the indexing marks lined up next to each other. The tire is re-inflated and the balance re-checked with a spin balancing machine.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a method of preparing a tire inner surface to attain better adhesion of balance pads, puncture sealants, and noise reduction foams. In this method a strip of multi-axially stretchable film is adhered to the inner surface of an uncured tire with a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Then a release agent coating is applied to the film strip on the inner surface of the uncured tire which is subsequently cured in a suitable mold at an elevated temperature. The cured tire is then removed from the mold and after allowing the cured tire to cool the annular circumferential film strip is removed from the inner surface of the tire to provide a circumferential release coating-free tire inner surface onto which balance pads, puncture sealants, and noise reduction foams can be adhered.

Abstract: Systems and methods for correcting uniformity of a cured tire using ablation of material along a plurality of tracks along the bead portion of the tire are provided. An ablation pattern can be determined to correct for a uniformity parameter for multiple tracks along a bead portion of a tire. The ablation pattern for each track can be analyzed to determined direct address commands for implementing the ablation pattern using an ablation device. The direct address commands can be determined according to an adjustment process to improve cycle time for the ablation of a tire. The adjustment process can be operable to more closely align azimuthal positions of ablation segments specified by direct address commands for different tracks along the bead of the tire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic vehicle tire of a radial construction having a gas-tight inner layer, wherein on the side of the gas-tight inner layer that in the vulcanized and mounted pneumatic vehicle tire is directed towards the wheel rim there is at least one patch containing one or more liquid rubbers and one or more solid rubbers.

Abstract: A weight applicator for a wheel of a tire-wheel assembly is disclosed. The weight applicator includes an arm portion and an applicator portion connected to the arm portion. The applicator includes a radially-extending flange portion. The radially-extending flange portion is connected to the arm portion. A first plunger portion is movably-connected to the radially-extending flange portion by one or more first radial arms. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A retreaded tire capable of improving unbalance of the tire is efficiently produced. Retread rubber has the largest thickness in a joint part F on the circumference. Such a joint part F is arranged in a minimal location S (corresponding to a light location of static unbalance), in which a rubber gauge G as measured in a radial direction of the tire from a buffed surface K of a base tire D to an outer surface of an outermost belt cord L embedded in an outermost belt layer disposed in a radially outermost side among belt layers constituting a belt is minimal on the circumference in an equatorial plane of the tire in attaching so that the total rubber gauge of the retread rubber T at the joint part F surely approaches total rubber gauges at other locations on the circumference to effectively reduce unbalance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a machine for balancing a pneumatic tire/wheel assembly and the balanced pneumatic tire. The pneumatic tire comprises an axis of rotation, a belt structure, an innerliner disposed radially inward of the belt structure, and two annular beads for securing the tire to a wheel. The tire includes an annular spacer structure and a thixotropic gel. The annular spacer structure is attached to the innerliner and is disposed radially inward of the belt structure. The annular spacer structure defines two interior circumferential grooves between axially outer sides of the annular spacer structure and portions of the innerliner extending radially inward toward the corresponding beads of the tire. The thixotropic gel is disposed within the circumferential grooves thereby defining two circumferential gel rings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for balancing a tire during a retreading operation includes measuring the radial runout the buffed tire casing and applying the gum layer and tread strip to compensate for variances in runout. The gum layer is applied so that an overlap or smear is formed at the relative low portion of the casing. The tread strip is applied with the joint at the same low portion in cases where the low portion has a relatively large variance, or at another location if the variance is small or other low portions exist. In addition, the thickness of the gum layer and tread strip may be controlled for further compensation of the runout variance.

Abstract: A bond of a rubbery component to a virgin surface of a tire's cured innerliner which virgin surface has never been contaminated by the remnants of a release agent left after buffing with a wire brush and solvent-cleaning the cured innerliner, is unexpectedly stronger than a bond of the component to the contaminated but “cleaned surface”, cleaned as indicated. As an alternative, buffing with a wire brush results in a textured surface that impairs adhesion of a balance pad. Therefore, a pneumatic tire is provided with a virgin surface protected against contamination by a release agent at the curing temperature of the tire; protection is provided by a self-supporting barrier film of sulfur non-vulcanizable, expandable, thermoformable synthetic resinous material; and, a method is provided for maintaining a virgin cured surface within all or part of either the exterior or interior of a pneumatic tire's rubber carcass which is conventionally cured.

Abstract: A tire comprising a tread portion and a pair of sidewalls is provided wherein the sidewalls are connected to the tread portion by shoulder regions, wherein the tire further include one or more strips of rubber affixed to the inner surface of a green tire. The strip may be annular and may be located near the toe of the bead. The strip is made from a rubber composition having a specific gravity greater than 2. The strip may be ground away as desired in order to balance the tire without the need for weights.

Abstract: A self-seal tire according to the present invention has a puncture sealing layer located all over a tire inner wall surface from one shoulder portion to the other shoulder portion of a pneumatic tire. The puncture sealing layer comprises at least one band-shape seal layer, which includes a band-shape sponge layer and a bonding layer, the band-shape sponge layer being impregnated with an adhesive so that it is exposed on a tier wall surface side face of the band-shape sponge layer and spaced apart from a tire counter wall surface side face thereof, and the bonding layer being made of adhesive and provided on the tire wall surface side face. The band-shape seal layer is bonded through the bonding layer on the tire inner wall surface with the band-shape seal layer being wound in a circumferential direction of the tire.

Abstract: A method for rotatably balancing a driveshaft includes the initial step of using a conventional balancing apparatus is used to determined the size and location of the balance weights needed to properly balance the driveshaft. Next, an adhesive material is applied to either or both of the driveshaft and the balance weight. The balance weight is preferably formed having an inner surface that is curved to conform with the curvature of the outer surface of the driveshaft. The preferred balance weight is further formed having a relatively thin outer peripheral rim portion having a plurality of radially outwardly extending teeth formed thereon. The overall size of the balance weight may be varied to provide differing amounts of weight for facilitating the balancing process.

Abstract: A vehicle tire balancing material comprising beads (1) formed from a first material (1′) having a higher tribo-electric work function, the beads (1) further having a permanent coating (1″) formed from a second material having a lower tribo-electric work function.

Abstract: A self-seal tire according to the present invention has a puncture sealing layer located all over a tire inner wall surface from one shoulder portion to the other shoulder portion of a pneumatic tire. The puncture sealing layer comprises at least one band-shape seal layer, which includes a band-shape sponge layer and a bonding layer, the band-shape sponge layer being impregnated with an adhesive so that it is exposed on a tier wall surface side face of the band-shape sponge layer and spaced apart from a tire counter wall surface side face thereof, and the bonding layer being made of adhesive and provided on the tire wall surface side face. The band-shape seal layer is bonded through the bonding layer on the tire inner wall surface with the band-shape seal layer being wound in a circumferential direction of the tire.

Abstract: A method for correcting dynamic unbalance of a pneumatic tire which comprises adhering a counter weight to an inner surface of the tire to reduce dynamic unbalance of the tire, wherein the counter weight is made of a material having a specific gravity in a range of from 0.016 to 0.21 such as a strip of a spongy material.

Abstract: A method of improving high-speed radial force variation of a pneumatic tire is disclosed. The tread portion is provided on the radially inner surface with an elastic patch. The weight and position of the patch determined based on (A) a low-speed fundamental RFV or (B) a low-speed fundamental RRO or (C) a weight imbalance of the tire. In case (A), the position is a point of the minimum low-speed fundamental RFV and the weight is {(F×TR)/332}×1000×a1. In case (B), the position is a point of the minimum low-speed fundamental RRO and the weight is {(RO×TR)/332}×1000×a2. In case (C), the position is a light weight position and the weight UB×(RR/TR)×a3. Here, TR is the radius in meter of the tire, F is the maximum variation of the low-speed fundamental RFV, RO is the maximum variation of the low-speed fundamental RRO, RR is the radius of the wheel rim, UB is the tire imbalance, a1 is coefficient in a range of from 0.5 to 3.

Abstract: A method of balancing a wheel assembly is achieved by providing a wheel assembly which includes a tire in a range substantially between 13″ and 24.5″ size, providing pulverulent polymeric/copolymeric synthetic plastic material in a range substantially between 8-12 screen size and 40-200 screen size, and placing a selected screen size range of the pulverulent material in free movable relationship to the tire in a weight range substantially between ½ ounce to 24 ounces for the tire size ranges of substantially between 13″ to 24.5″ size.

Abstract: An improved injector apparatus for introducing flowable force compensating material into a tire/wheel assembly for the purpose of equalizing radial and lateral force variations of the tire/wheel assembly when in use on a vehicle. The injector apparatus generally comprises a container having a cylindrical side wall, an inlet end cap and an outlet end cap, which together enclose a chamber for flowable force compensating material, and a flexible hose having a quick disconnect coupling at its discharge end for conveying a mixture of pressurized air and flowable force compensating material from the chamber to the interior of a tire/wheel assembly. The outlet end cap comprises at least one channel groove, which helps direct the flowable force compensating material toward an outlet fitting in a manner preventing the flowable force compensating material from getting trapped in the cylinder.

Abstract: A method and composition of matter for balancing tire and rim assemblies of vehicles is disclosed wherein the composition of matter has rounded balancing elements of different size to line the interior of a tire casing and to move over the lining to offset points of imbalance.

Abstract: The method comprises the following steps: producing a preform of the blade comprising a blade root section for connection to a hub and an aerodynamically profiled main blade section, the blade root section of the preform including at least one cylindrical portion for guidance in terms of incidence; arranging a respective peripheral metal ring around each cylindrical portion for guidance in terms of incidence of the preform; arranging the preform provided with each peripheral metal ring in an injection mould; injecting a thermosetting liquid resin into the mould; and heating the mould to make the thermosetting resin set.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for introducing a free-flowing balancing material into a tire through a tire valve stem. The apparatus comprises a container for confining a predefined amount of free-flowing balancing material, and a flow path for pressurized air which extends from the source of the pressurized air to an air inlet, from the air inlet to a mixing chamber in communication with the container through an opening, and from the mixing chamber to an air outlet. The flow path has a pressure regulator therein, a venturi nozzle within the mixing chamber to accelerate the air flow and lower the air pressure within the mixing chamber to draw the free-flowing balancing material from the container into the mixing chamber; and a chuck for introducing the mixture of free-flowing balancing material and pressurized air from the air outlet and into a tire valve stem.

Abstract: An ornament is shaped to be in balance about a surface point that is adapted to engage an upstanding projection. In one preferred embodiment, the ornament is formed from paper and is in the shape of a bird. The surface point is located at the bird's beak. The beak is adapted to engage the drinking edge of a vessel such as a glass. The center of mass of the bird is located below the surface point so that the bird has a stable equilibrium. The bird has a flat tail positioned to face upward. The tail may be written on, making the bird suitable for use a place indicator on a table at a formal function.

Abstract: A method and composition of matter for balancing tire and rim assemblies of vehicles is disclosed wherein the composition of matter has rounded balancing elements of different sizes to line the interior of a tire casing and to move over the lining to offset points of imbalance.

Abstract: A method and composition of matter for balancing tire and rim assemblies of vehicles is disclosed wherein the composition of matter has rounded balancing elements of different sizes to line the interior of a tire casing and to move over the lining to offset points of imbalance.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixing a balancing weight having an adhesive layer thereon to a vehicle wheel at a balancing position comprises a holder having at least first and second holding portions for holding a balancing weight under a spring force. The holder is guided to a balancing position on the wheel by a guide so that an edge of the adhesive-bearing surface of the balancing weight is applied to or contacts the wheel at the desired balancing position. Pressure is then directed towards the balancing position and applied to the balancing weight causing the balancing weight to be released from the holder and pivoted about the edge that bears against the wheel at the balancing position so that the whole adhesive layer is pressed against the wheel surface.

Abstract: A vectorial assembly method for first and second stage assemblies (5, 3) of radial tires, whereby a first stage assembly (5), mounted on a rotary inner support (52) so as to rotate about its axis, and a second stage assembly (3), housed inside a toroidal body (7) mounted for rotation, about a horizontal axis (8), on a supporting saddle (31) adjustable about a vertical axis (21), are rotated for determining their respective unbalance vectors, and are assembled, the first (5) inside the second (3), in relative angular positions such as to minimize the unbalance vector of the assembled tire.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for introducing pulverulent material into a tire for the purpose of balancing a tire and an associated wheel assembly. A quantity of polymeric pulverulent material sufficient to balance a tire and an associated wheel assembly is charged to a cylindrical chamber and confined therein. Pressurized air is passed through the chamber in such manner as to form cyclonic air currents in the chamber. The cyclonic air currents can be obtained by configuring the air inlet and the air outlet for the chamber so that their respective axes are not aligned. A mixture of air and pulverulent material is withdrawn from the chamber and passed to a tire which is being balanced.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for introducing pulverulent material into a tire through a tire valve stem is performed by confining a predetermined amount of pulverulent material in a cylindrical chamber having axially spaced and radially offset inlets and outlets, subjecting the confined pulverulent material to pressurized air which is transformed into a cyclonic air current within the chamber by the radially offset inlet and outlet, and introducing admixed air/pulverulent material from the chamber into a tire through its associated tire valve stem.

Abstract: In a rim-fitted tire, a plurality of static unbalance correction weights are fixed in such a manner as to be distributed on both sides of a reference plane substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of a rim, and a plurality of dynamic unbalance correction weights, corresponding to amounts of correction of dynamic unbalance obtained with the static unbalance correction weights fixed, are fixed, thereby correcting weight unbalance.

Abstract: A method of balancing a wheel assembly is achieved by providing a wheel assembly which includes a tire in a range substantially between 13" and 24.5" size, providing pulverulent polymeric/copolymeric synthetic plastic material in a range substantially between 8-12 screen size and 40-200 screen size, and placing a selected screen size range of the pulverulent material in free movable relationship to the tire in a weight range substantially between 1/2 ounce to 24 ounces for the tire size ranges of substantially between 13" to 24.5" size.

Abstract: A continuous strip of puncture sealing material is applied to an inside surface of a tire by laying and adhering a plurality of side-by-side turns of the strip with the different turns connected by angular crossing portions in the area of a first circumferential position of the tire. The first crossing portion overlaps a first end of the first turn. The other end of the strip is tapered and overlaps the last crossing portion and a portion of the last turn of the strip. The first circumferential position of the tire may be at a light spot circumferentially of the tire for improved balance of the tire. By overlapping the edge of the strip and pressing the material against the tire surface, the resulting puncture sealing layer is continuous and completely covers the surface of the tire under the crown portion for protection against punctures due to nails and other sharp objects.

Abstract: In the combination of detachable addition members with rubber articles, particularly tire sidewalls, wherein each article has a circumferentially discontinuous first coupling portion adapted to operatively interact with a second coupling portion on the addition member for securing the member to the article, the improvement being characterized in that either the coupling portions or addition members are adapted to produce a perceptive physical change during abnormal operating conditions of the article.

Abstract: The combination of detachable addition members with rubber articles, and particularly for tire sidewalls, wherein each article has a circumferentially discontinuous first coupling portion adapted to operatively interact with a second coupling portion on the addition member for securing the member to the article. Preferably a plurality of addition members are utilized and interact with a plurality of independent circumferentially discontinuous first coupling portions. The addition members may take a variety of geometric shapes and can be used for decorative, utilitarian and safety-enhancing purposes. Removably securing the addition members to the rubber articles permits easy ready changes and individualized replacement.

Abstract: Spacers are positioned between adjacent rims of a multi-rim composite flywheel in alignment with hub spokes thereof to improve flywheel performance while minimizing radial stress.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a method of fabricating wood composite panels having enhanced fire retardancy. The panels so fabricated have hard, durable finished surfaces which allow machine finishing without the concurrent loss in fire retardancy due to the finishing operation.

Abstract: Effective control of warp in the manufacture of corrugated paperboard sheets on standard corrugator equipment is achieved by the on-line application of a regulated quantity of moisture to one or both sides of the completed corrugated paperboard web after it has been heat-bonded together, while it is still hot from the heat-bonding operation, and prior to its being cut into individual corrugated paperboard sheets. By proper selection of the quantity and placement of the moisture application treatment, it is possible to counterbalance the net effect of the warp-producing conditions developed within the bonded paperboard web prior to and during its bonding operation, so that the resulting paperboard sheets leaving the corrugator will be consistently substantially flat. The moisture application treatment is carried out with an adjustable moisture spray system designed to selectively apply to either or both sides of the bonded paperboard web a variable regulated quantity of moisture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting imbalance occurring in pneumatic tires during their manufacture. Correction is made by depositing on the inside surface of the tire, at a balance-correcting position, a measured quantity of an uncured, quick-curing, urethane or other liquid elastomer composition which bonds to such surface when cured, and curing the composition in place against the surface. The surface is cleaned in advance, as by washing, scrubbing, and/or abrading, to remove mold release agents and the like and to expose the bare rubber of the tire wall for bonding. The elastomer is desirably deposited in a pool, but may be dispensed in a stream of air or other gas directed toward the deposit. The air reduces the thickness of the pool and feathers its edges and thereby reduces the discontinuity between the deposited material and the tire surface, and promotes bonding.

Abstract: A plurality of nested rims are mounted on spokes of a flywheel hub member in a manner causing the rim assembly to have a noncircular configuration while the flywheel is at rest. Expansion of the rim assembly and the hub member during high speed flywheel operation causes the rim assembly to assume a substantially circular configuration with each rim frictionally engaging its adjacent rims while the inner rim is frictionally engaged by the spokes.

Abstract: An integrated system for eliminating the vibrations generated in vehicular tires under cruising speed conditions by correcting the tire both for peripheral non-uniformities and for lack of symmetry. The system includes means for revolving the tire being corrected under conditions simulating the weight load placed on the tire in actual use as well as the centrifugal forces encountered when operated at a cruising speed of from 50 to 90 miles per hour, together with means for measuring both the magnitude and location of the forces generated by peripheral non-uniformities developed in the tire and also the magnitude and location of the forces generated by lack of tire symmetry.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire is balanced by applying a counterbalance material to the tire characterized in that the balancing material is a thin layer of a polyolefin which adheres to the inside surface of the carcass by means of surface tension alone.