Methods and systems for improving the uniformity of a tire are provided. More specifically, one or more characteristics of a composite uniformity parameter can be determined from harmonic magnitudes associated with a plurality of harmonics of the composite uniformity parameter. For instance, a range of a composite uniformity parameter and/or a distribution of amplitudes of a composite uniformity parameter for a set of tires can be determined from harmonic magnitudes associated with selected harmonics of the composite uniformity parameter. According to example aspects of the present disclosure, the one or more characteristics of the composite uniformity parameter can be determined using Weibull distributions of the harmonic magnitudes. Once identified, the one or more characteristics can be used to modify tire manufacture to improve tire uniformity.

Methods and systems for improving the uniformity of a tire 200 are provided. More particularly, a magnitude of a uniformity parameter can be obtained for each tire in a set of a plurality of tires. The magnitudes associated with the set of tires can be transformed according to a probability distribution function (e.g. a Weibull distribution function) to obtain a set of transformed magnitudes. Parameters associated with a probability distribution function can be estimated based at least in part on the transformed magnitudes. Parameters associated with the probability distribution function can be used to determine data indicative of a measurement error in the uniformity measurements attributable to a measurement process harmonic. The data indicative of the measurement error can be used to correct uniformity measurements obtained for tires and to modify tire manufacture based at least in part on the corrected measurements.

A flexible sensor for monitoring operating parameters, including pressure and temperature, of a flexible structure, such as a tire, provides electrodes and an active area that are formed of flexible materials. In particular, the active area may be formed from an elastomeric piezoresistive material, such as an ionic liquid-polymer. The flexible properties of the sensor allow it to be readily incorporated into the body of a tire during manufacture. This allows the operating parameters of the tire to be monitored, such as in real-time, while the tire is in operation. Furthermore, the sensor is formed of materials that allow the sensor to be formed using additive manufacturing techniques, such as 3D (three-dimensional) printing. As such, the sensor may be 3D printed together with another structure, such as a tire tread, so that the sensor is integrated therein.

The invention comprises a support system and method for supporting an uncured tire carcass (10) for storage, handling and transport of the tire carcass during tire production operations. The method for supporting an uncured tire carcass (10) includes the step of configuring an uncured tire carcass in a storage configuration subsequent to removing the uncured tire carcass from the tire carcass building surface. Once removed from the tire carcass building surface the uncured tire carcass (10) is separate from the tire carcass building surface. The method further includes the step of pressurizing an interior chamber of the uncured tire carcass (10) to form an inflated uncured tire carcass.

The invention comprises a support system and method for supporting an uncured tire carcass (10) for storage, handling and transport of the tire carcass during tire production operations. The method for supporting an uncured tire carcass (10) includes the step of configuring an uncured tire carcass in a storage configuration subsequent to removing the uncured tire carcass from the tire carcass building surface. Once removed from the tire carcass building surface the uncured tire carcass (10) is separate from the tire carcass building surface. The method further includes the step of pressurizing an interior chamber of the uncured tire carcass (10) to form an inflated uncured tire carcass.

A process and an apparatus for automatically applying a noise reducing element to a tyre for vehicle wheels. The process includes: a) providing a noise reducing element; b) providing an adhesive material; c) guiding the noise reducing element according to a predetermined direction; d) during the guiding, applying the adhesive material onto a first surface of the noise reducing element; e) manipulating the noise reducing element by interacting with at least one second surface of the noise reducing element different from the first surface on which the adhesive material has been applied; and f) positioning the noise reducing element in a predetermined position on a radially inner surface of the tyre, bringing the first surface into contact with the radially inner surface.

A process and an apparatus for automatically applying a noise reducing element to a tyre for vehicle wheels. The process includes: a) providing a noise reducing element; b) providing an adhesive material; c) guiding the noise reducing element according to a predetermined direction; d) during the guiding, applying the adhesive material onto a first surface of the noise reducing element; e) manipulating the noise reducing element by interacting with at least one second surface of the noise reducing element different from the first surface on which the adhesive material has been applied; and f) positioning the noise reducing element in a predetermined position on a radially inner surface of the tyre, bringing the first surface into contact with the radially inner surface.

An apparatus (14) for installation and removal of electronic components (10) for a tire comprises an expansion device (16) having a plurality of movably supported longitudinal prongs (18), wherein the expansion device (16) is adapted for moving at least a part of the plurality of prongs (18) between a neutral position with a least distance between the prongs (18) and at least one expansion position with a distance between the prongs (18) exceeding the least distance. The prongs (18) comprise prong tips (20), which each comprise a curved engagement surface (22), wherein each prong is adapted for engaging an exposed top lip (8) of an elastic container (2), in which the electronic component (10) is storable. The expansion device (16) is adapted for moving at least a part of the plurality of prongs (18) to an expansion position with the engagement surfaces (22) engaging the top lip (8) of the container (2), in which expansion position the top lip (8) is expanded.

Tyre, in particular cycle tyre, with a device for generating rotation-dependent signals, a method for producing said tyre and a system for controlling a cycle drive with such a tyre. Tyre, in particular cycle tyre, with a device for generating rotation-dependent signals, in which the device is arranged in the tyre (1, 3) or is connected to the tyre and has a signal-generating element (6, 14), which is held in a retaining element connected positively or non-positively to the tyre body, wherein the receiving element is arranged substantially on the outside of strengthening elements or reinforcing elements of the tyre and the signal-generating element is held in the retaining element in such a way that the signal-generating element forms part of the outer surface of the tyre or protrudes beyond the outer surface of the tyre.

Disclosed herein are automated systems and methods utilizing a plurality of specialized RFID tags incorporated within various tire manufacturing components (e.g., mold segments, mold container, bladder plates, tire presses, and extrusion dies) that are able to readily track tire manufacture and identify defect source(s) while concurrently being configured to the harsh processes and temperatures of tire manufacture.