Abstract:
A tire includes a circumferential tread, a pair of beads, and a pair of sidewalls. The tire further includes a plurality of circumferential belts disposed below the circumferential tread and extending in an axial direction. The plurality of circumferential belts include a lower belt and an upper belt. The tire also includes at least one gum strip. The at least one gum strip has a first portion in contact with a top surface of the lower belt and a bottom surface of the upper belt. The at least one gum strip has a second portion disposed below the lower belt.
Abstract:
An apparatus for producing three-dimensional objects includes at least one photon source configured to direct photons into a build medium. The apparatus further includes a vat configured to retain the build medium. The vat includes a window that permits photons to reach the build medium. The apparatus also has a build platform configured to translate vertically and an actuator configured to cause the build platform to move relative to the vat. The apparatus further includes a vibrator connected to the apparatus. The vibrator provides a mechanical force for moving the vat or the build platform.
Abstract:
A system and method for building and curing a tire curing bladder is provided. In one embodiment, a system for curing a tire curing bladder is provided, the system comprising: a tire building drum, including: at least one end cap; and a cylindrical wall; wherein the tire building drum includes an axis of rotation and wherein the axis of rotation extends through the at least one end cap, and wherein the cylindrical wall includes at least one orifice; a mold, including: a mold ring oriented at least partially radially outwardly of the tire building drum; and at least one outside bead ring; and a tire curing press.
Abstract:
Methods of making tires with features such as ribs, lugs, or tread blocks include shaping at least one feature onto an uncured tire tread prior to vulcanization. One aspect of these methods may include shaping a feature onto the tread while the tread is associated with the tire. Shaping devices may include shaping rollers, stitching rollers, pre-molds, and annular, curved, or flat stamping plates. An additional aspect of these methods may further reduce the amount of air between a tread and carcass prior to vulcanization. These methods may be used in conjunction with manufacturing processes used on various types of tires, and are particularly suitable for use in large tire manufacturing processes.
Abstract:
A nonpneumatic tire assembly includes an outer hoop, a plurality of loops extending inward from the outer hoop, and a hub having a plurality of members. Each of the plurality of members is connected to one of the plurality of loops.
Abstract:
A nonpneumatic tire includes a tread portion, an upper ring, and a plurality of spokes extending radially downward from the upper ring. Each spoke terminates at a lower end having a spoke mount configured to engage a corresponding hub mount. Each spoke is under substantially no tension when the tread portion is not in contact with a ground surface and when each spoke mount is disengaged from its corresponding hub mount. Each spoke is under tension when the tread portion is not in contact with the ground surface and when each spoke mount is engaged with its corresponding hub mount.
Abstract:
A tire mold has a cavity with a flexible bladder disposed in a central portion of the cavity. The tire mold further includes a first ring connected to a first end of the flexible bladder, and a second ring connected to a second end of the flexible bladder. At least one of the first and second rings is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The flexible bladder is stretched to a maximum axial length when the first and second rings are in a first position. When the first and second rings are in the first position the sum of the first axial length and second axial length is greater than a space between the first ring and the second ring.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to a pneumatic tire having at least one electrically conductive pathway capable of dissipating electrostatic charges generated in a vehicle to a road surface while achieving low rolling resistance and improved wet traction tire performances. The pneumatic tire has a tread portion which includes a tread cap layer forming a ground contacting surface and a tread base layer underlying the tread cap layer. The tread cap layer contains at least one electrically conductive pathway locally extending from the ground-contacting surface of the tread cap layer to contact the tread base layer. The electrically-conductive pathway is composed of a UV-cured rubber composition which is electrically conductive.
Abstract:
A non-pneumatic tire includes a ring, a circumferential tread disposed about the ring, and a plurality of support structures extending downwards from the ring. An end of each support structure includes an axially extending member, and each support structure includes a reinforcement layer extending along a length of the support structure and wrapping around the axially extending member.
Abstract:
A non-pneumatic tire includes an inner ring having an axis of rotation and an outer ring coaxial with the inner ring. The non-pneumatic tire further includes support structure extending from the inner ring to the outer ring. The support structure is constructed of a thermoplastic material and having reinforcement cords embedded therein. The non-pneumatic tire also includes a circumferential tread extending about the outer ring.