Abstract: A station for checking tyres includes a support structure defining an operating space for receiving a tyre and an overturning device with grip elements for engaging a radially outer portion of the tyre. A checking device includes a mechanical arm and at least one sensor associated with the mechanical arm. The overturning device overturns the tyre around an overturning axis perpendicular to a rotation axis of the tyre when the tyre is in the operating space. The mechanical arm is operatively active within the operating space and carries the sensor at least partially within the tyre for executing checks on an inner surface of the tyre housed in the operating space.

Abstract: A tire distortion detection method includes a first step of forming a portion to be detected on a surface of an inner liner, a second step of detecting the portion to be detected in any two states from a formation of a product tire from a tire component including the inner liner to a change for a load condition on the product tire, and a third step of comparing positions of the portions to be detected in the two states obtained in the second step.

Abstract: A surface marking tool, comprising a housing a sensor coupled in the housing to identify a specific location on a surface a marker having a back end and an engaging end, whereby the back end is coupled to the underside of the housing and the engaging end extends beyond the underside of the housing to engage with the target surface; and at least one foot coupled to the underside of the housing. Another aspect of the present invention includes a surface marking tool, comprising a housing, a sensor coupled in the housing to identify a specific location on a surface, a marker having an engaging end, whereby the marker is housed in an open faced cartridge with a back end, whereby the engaging end of the marker extends beyond the cartridge to engage with the target surface, and the back end of the cartridge is coupled to the underside of the housing and extends beyond the underside of the housing, and at least one foot coupled to the underside of the housing.

Abstract: A system is provided for dynamically reading data from a tire transponder that includes a linear-polarization antenna. The system includes one ore more system antennas and one or more readers. Each system antenna is able to receive data transmitted by the tire transponder. Each reader is able to couple to the one or more antennas to read and store the data from the tire transponder. Each system antenna is a linear-polarization antenna with a vertical electric field.

Abstract: A method for controlling the manufacturing of tires for wheels of vehicles includes: extracting a cured tire from a curing station, in which the cured tire has accumulated heat during a curing process; and verifying the presence of possible defects or imperfections in that cured tire. The verification includes detecting first electromagnetic radiations representative of a heat emission from different portions of the cured tire while the cured tire frees the accumulated heat; providing at least one output signal representative of the first electromagnetic radiations detected to allow an analysis of the cured tire and to verify the presence of the possible defects or imperfections. A plant for the manufacturing of tires for wheels of vehicles is also described.

Abstract: A system includes a tire inspection station configured to inspect a tire of a tire wheel assembly. The tire inspection station includes a lifting assembly configured to lift and rotate a tire wheel assembly disposed in the tire inspection station, movable centering arms adjustably positionable to center a hub of a tire wheel assembly relative to the lifting assembly, and top and bottom camera assemblies configured to image sidewalls of the tire wheel assembly when it is lifted. The system further includes software configured to process images from the camera assemblies and display results of the processing. The system additionally includes a wheel inspection station comprising a camera. The system further includes software configured to process images from the camera to verify wheel properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides system, devices, and methods for scanning an object while avoiding radiation exposure. For example, the present invention provides systems comprising a scanning device with input and output openings, and a safety sensor adjacent to the input or output opening that sends a signal that turns off or physically blocks electromagnetic radiation if the presence of an invading element (e.g., human hand) is detected by the safety sensor.

Abstract: A tire inspection apparatus arranged with a plurality of cameras located at relatively displaced circumferential positions and set for the respective shooting positions different from each other in the axial direction of the tire. Thus the images of the inner circumferential surface of the tire are shot by the plurality of cameras as the tire is rotated circumferentially relative to the plurality of cameras. During this operation, markers are inserted at the same time in the images shot by all of the cameras. The images are synthesized using these markers as reference positions in aligning the shot images in accordance with the relative displacements of the cameras in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an X-ray system includes a handheld X-ray interface device. The handheld X-ray interface device includes a wireless interface for communicating with an imaging system and a tracking device configured to provide a location and/or to track movement of the handheld X-ray interface device relative to the imaging system, wherein the location or tracked movement of the handheld X-ray interface device is communicated to the imaging system as an input for at least one control function of the imaging system.

Abstract: Regarding a X-ray photographing-tire apparatus and method, defining the reference plane as the plane perpendicular to the center axis of a tire mounted on a rotary device and passing through the X-ray source, and defining the reference line as the line headed from the center axis to the X-ray source within the reference plane, the X-ray source is oriented so that a predetermined azimuth range coincides with a predetermined angular range in which the reference line lies, within the reference plane, and a first line-sensor, being oriented parallel with the center axis, is placed within said predetermined azimuth range, in the radial outside of the tread portion TR of the tire, and the first line-sensor is placed at the position deviated from the plane defined by both reference line and the center axis, having two degrees of freedom of motion within the reference plane with orientation of the receiving surface kept constant.

Abstract: An apparatus for X-ray photographing a tire and method utilizing the apparatus, capable of acquiring excellent image with no distortion nor blur of the full circumference and full width of the tire, are provided.

Abstract: The electromagnetic radiation source arranged at the first position apart from the tire irradiates the electromagnetic radiation rays to the first and second points on the tire, respectively, and the first and second coordinates on the camera are acquired, the first and second coordinates corresponding to the first and second points, respectively. The electromagnetic radiation source moved from the first position to the second position along with an axial direction irradiates the electromagnetic radiation rays to the first and second points, respectively, and the third and fourth coordinates on the camera are acquired, the third and fourth coordinates corresponding to the first and second points, respectively. The coordinate of the first point is found by finding the intersection of the straight line connected between the first point and the first coordinate and the straight line connected between the second point and the third coordinate.

Abstract: An apparatus for the inspection of the surface (1) of a tire (2) or the like comprises a projector (3) for the projection of a pattern onto the tire (2) and a camera (4) for the taking of an image of the pattern projected onto the tire. A simplified apparatus of this type comprises an apparatus for the rotation of the tire (2) about its axis (5).

Abstract: An X-ray tire inspection apparatus comprising X-ray tubes 2a and 2b for applying an X-ray to a tire 10, installed right above the opposite ends of the tire 10 conveyed by a roll conveyor 1, and X-ray line sensors 4a and 4b arranged in the space between adjacent rolls 1R and 1R below the above roll conveyor 1 at positions corresponding to the above X-ray tubes 2a and 2b, respectively, wherein transmission X-ray images of left half and right half portions of the tire 10 are taken by the X-ray line sensors 4a and 4b and combined by tire internal image inspection means 5 to obtain a transmission X-ray composite image of the whole tire 10. Therefore, even a tire having a low aspect ratio can be internally inspected accurately and efficiently.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the lateral yarn density distribution of a yarn uses selected X-ray radiation. Radiation absorption is determined in a number of narrow planes across the yarn and in two or more rotational orientations. The measuring takes place without any damage to or physical interference with the yarn.

Abstract: A tire interior inspecting method irradiates a tire being continuously conveyed by a conveyor with x-rays emitted from a predetermined position, receives the x-rays penetrated through the tire by a high resolution linear x-ray sensor to obtain x-ray information about the tire, compares the x-ray information with normal tire image information about the metallic components of a normal tire, removes parts of the x-ray image information coinciding with the normal tire image information, and decides the quality of interior of the tire on the basis of image information obtained by removing parts of the x-ray image information coinciding with the normal timer image information.

Abstract: In the method of testing a folded-seam connection (2) of a receptacle (1), a sectional image through the folded-seam connection (2) is generated in at least a partial segment (3) of the folded-seam connection (2) by way of an X-ray computer tomographer. The device for executing this method has at least one computer-tomography device (CT device) that has at least one X-ray source (10) and one X-ray detector (11). A holding device (30) holds the receptacle (1) with the folded-seam connection (2) such that at least a partial segment (3) of the folded-seam connection (2) is located in the beam path (S) between the X-ray source (10) and the X-ray detector (11).

Abstract: A mark inspecting system comprises a camera (30) held in a predetermined position on a marking device (20) capable of being located close to or in contact with a tire (1) supported on a marking table (3) to form a mark (M) on the tire (1), a photocoupler (36) for detecting the separation of the marking device (20) by a predetermined distance from the tire (1) after the mark (M) has been marked on the tire (1), a controller (35) for operating the camera (30) to form an image of the mark marked on the tire (1) upon the reception of a detection signal provided by the photocoupler (36) upon the detection of the separation of the marking device (20) by the predetermined distance from the tire (1), and an image processing device (31) for analyzing the image of the mark (M) formed by the camera (30) for the inspection of the mark (M).

Abstract: A tire includes at least a pair of breaker plies each having a plurality of wire codes of different orientation. In a tire testing apparatus, a tire is loaded to a test position and electromagnetic wave having a wavelength equal to or shorter than X-ray is irradiated to transmit a tread surface of one of test portions of the tire loaded at the test position. A detector detects the electromagnetic wave to produce a test image signal. A measuring section executes a processing of at least one test item on the pair of breaker plies to a test image data and automatically determines whether the test position of the tire is defective or non-defective, from the processing result of the test image data.

Abstract: A portable tire x-ray apparatus includes a frame having motor driven rollers that support a tire vertically and cause the tire to rotate about a central axis thereof. A pair of pneumatically actuated spreader fingers spread the sidewalls of the tire as the tire is being rotated. An x-ray source and an x-ray image intensifier are mounted at either end of an arm and are spaced apart a distance which allows the x-ray source to irradiate selected sectors of the tire to create a fluoroscopic image of the selected sector on the x-ray image intensifier. The arm is connected to a support which is, in turn, connected to a motor drive and is pivotable to three preselected different positions. In one of the positions, one sidewall of the tire is examined, in the second position, the tread is examined, and in the third position, the opposite sidewall is examined.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing workpieces by means of X-rays includes at least one linear array of X-ray sensitive diodes which are closely spaced from each other. This allows the attainment of a high resolution. When e.g. yarns to be tested extend in the same direction as the diode line and are spaced for distances smaller than the corresponding extent of the receiving surfaces of the diodes, an effective resolution is not possible. This is why a "screen" is associated with the diode line, the screen having an aperture of a width which is smaller than the extent of the receiving surface transversely to the "screen" slot. Furthermore switch means allow skipping of certain diodes during scanning in order to obtain a scanning speed increase.

Abstract: An apparatus for the multi-lateral X-ray testing of rotatably supported automotive tires during their rotation comprising an omni-directional X-ray tube located within the space encircled by the tire adjacent its opened inner side, the radiation emanating from said tube transilluminating the side walls and the tire tread from inward outwardly, further comprising receiving means defined by three linear diode arrangements of light-sensitive diodes which are approximately located parallel to the diameter or the axis of said tire, respectively, scanning means being associated with the diode arrangements scanning the diodes with a predetermined scanning frequency, the output signals of the diodes being transmitted to a storage means and finally comprising image reproduction means consisting of individual picture elements for the generation of an image line per scanning sequence for the diode arrangement.

Abstract: A positioning arm (44) is provided with a plurality of elongated members carrying two combinations of a radiation source (46; 58) and a sensor (48; 60). Each sidewall is interposed between a radiation source (46; 58) and a sensor (48; 60). The radiation sources (46; 58) provide a collimated beam of radiation which is relatively unattenuated (absorbed) in passing through the elastomer in the tire sidewall, but will be reflected by the steel wire cords in the sidewall. Each combination of a radiation source and sensor scans a sidewall of the tire at a predetermined speed to detect sidewall defects such as missing or improperly spaced cords.

Abstract: An industrial CT apparatus capable of obtaining a good image quality by a simple configuration. The apparatus is the second generating type incorporating the rotational motions as well as the traverse motions, in which the detector is positioned nearby a center of rotation of the object to be examined. When the object to be examined is a ring shaped object, the detector is positioned inside the center bore of the object. Also, the X-ray is emitted in a form of fan shaped beam whose symmetrical axis is deviated from an axial direction perpendicular to the traverse direction.

Abstract: Omni-directional X-ray tube having a target which is at least partially surrounded by an annular window passed by the X-rays, the cathode and the electron optics and the targets being designed such that the radiation passing the window is sweeping a larger sector in the plane of the window. The cathode arrangement includes at least two electron sources with an associated electron optics. The formation of the electron optics and of the targets is such that for each electron optic a focal point is generated on the target and the radiation originating from the individual focal points are sweeping about adjacent subsectors which are approximately screened against each other to avoid an overlapping.

Abstract: A system for measuring the open space between, and the ratio of open space to cord diameter, of cord reinforced tire fabric. A collimated x-ray source and detector scan across the tire fabric as it is calendered providing a signal corresponding to each edge of a cord. A counter counting at a constant rate provides a time interval measurement of each open space, and also of the corresponding open space plus cord, as the x-ray source and detector scans the fabric. The quotient of the two time intervals determined is proportional to the fractional open space at a particular location in the fabric. An alarm is provided to indicate when the open space is outside predetermined limits.

Abstract: A portable tire x-ray apparatus includes a frame having horizontal rollers supporting a tire vertically and a motor connected to at least one of the rollers to cause rotation of the tire. An x-ray tube and a fluoroscope are spaced apart approximately the length of the outer diameter of the tire and are aligned to irradiate an area including at least one half the width of the tread and a portion of the sidewall of the tire. A video camera is optically coupled to the fluoroscope and is connected to a video tape recorder and a live video monitor to convert a radiographic image on the fluoroscope to a video signal which may be recorded and displayed on the monitor. Irregularities in the tire, including possible defects, are visible on the fluoroscope and may be viewed on the monitor and recorded.

Abstract: A device for the X-ray examination of motor vehicle tires comprises a conveyor for conveying the tires into, and out of, an X-ray examination device, in which the tires are held in examination positions, are set in rotation and are penetrated by X-rays from within outwards thereof by means of an X-ray tube arrangement, having an X-ray receiver for observing the tire regions which have been penetrated by the X-rays, and a monitor apparatus for optical representation and evaluation of the penetrated tire regions. For improved output of examined tires the X-ray examination device comprises at least two X-ray examination units laterally adjacent to the conveyor. The X-ray receiver is constructed so as to be capable of being moved alternately from one examination unit to the other examination unit, for examination of a tire in one examination unit, while at the same time an examined tire is unloaded from the other examination unit and a fresh tire is loaded thereinto.

Abstract: A portable tire X-ray apparatus includes a frame having horizontal rollers supporting a tire vertically and a motor connected to at least one of the rollers to cause rotation of the tire. An X-ray tube and a fluoroscope are spaced apart approximately the length of the outer diameter of the tire and are aligned to irradiate an area including at least half the width of the tread and a portion of the sidewall of the tire. A video camera is optically coupled to the fluoroscope and is connected to a video tape recorder and a live video monitor to convert a radiographic image on the fluoroscope to a video signal which may be recorded and displayed on the monitor. Irregularities in the tire, including possible defects, are visible on the fluoroscope and may be viewed on the monitor and recorded.

Abstract: A tire load testing CT scanner includes a load applying mechanism for applying a load to a tire under a condition in which the tire is rotatably held, a radiation imaging device for obtaining radiation transmittance data of the tire cross section, a moving mechanism for relatively moving the radiation imaging device and the tire which is placed in a condition loaded by the load applying mechanism, in a direction along the circumference of the tire, a drive control unit for controlling the drive of the load applying mechanism, the radiation imaging device, and the moving mechanism, and an image formation and processing unit for forming an image, based on the transmittance data supplied by the radiation imaging device.

Abstract: A specific slice of a tire is subjected to a high energy radiation which is provided for obtaining projection data of high radiation absorption coefficient portions (steel portions in the tire). The obtained projection data of this steel portions is arranged in a first sinogram. The projection data in this first sinogram is then reconstructed to provide image data. The signal level of the image data is sliced to obtain position data of the steel portions. Based on the obtained position data, the first sinogram for the steel portions is reproduced. This reproduced first sinogram indicates the location of each steel portion. Besides, the same specific slice of the tire is subjected to a low energy radiation which is provided for obtaining projection data of low radiation absorption coefficient portions (rubber portions). The obtained projection data of the rubber portions is arranged in a second sinogram.

Abstract: A system for detecting missing or crossed cords in cord reinforced tire fabric. The entire width of the fabric as it is being made is scanned by a highly collimated X-ray source and a sensor. A change in the amount of X-ray radiation penetrating the fabric indicates the presence of the cords. A counter which counts at a fixed rate is gated on during the time that a cord's presence is detected. The total count in a small section of the fabric, called a slice, is proportional to the number of strands in the slice. Since the counting rate is relatively high with respect to the scan time, the system can easily detect missing or overlapping cords.

Abstract: A strip (B), generally trapezoidal in cross-section, traverses a measurement plane at the level of a line of passage (L). Two identical collimated radioactive sources (120, 121) are disposed to provide a substantially constant flux of radiation at the level of the line of passage (L). An elongate ionization chamber (310) receives at least all the radiation traversing the strip. The variations in the output signal of the ionization chamber indicate the presence in the strip of possible localized air inclusions or overweights.The invention can be applied in particular to the inspection of rubber strip intended for the manufacture of tires.

Abstract: This invention relates to inspection or X-ray testing system for vehicle wheels consisting of a rim and a supporting structure of the kind comprising an X-ray tube, and X-ray screen with a post-positioned monitor and a system for reception of the wheel fed in rim-down, for placing the same into the beam path of the X-ray tube, and for ejecting the wheel after inspection. To shorten the inspection or testing period, the system according to the invention comprises a chute displaceable around a horizontal pivot spindle for the wheel which may be pivoted to the appropriate positions for reception, immobilization during the testing or inspection and the ejection of the wheel. The pivot spindle extends parallel to the X-ray screen as well as to the chute. The chute has a stop system to establish the testing position of the wheel on the chute and a clamping mechanism for immobilizing the wheel slid into the testing position.