One or more embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for applying a mixture of a first compound and a second compound, the apparatus comprising a first extruder for processing a first compound and a second extruder for processing a second compound, wherein the outlet from the first extruder is in fluid communication with a first channel of a housing, and the outlet from the second extruder is in fluid communication with a second channel of the housing, wherein a gear pump is positioned in each channel, wherein a nozzle is in fluid communication with an outlet of the first channel and an outlet of the second channel, and a coextruded continuous strip is produced. The ratio of the first compound to the second compound may be adjusted instantaneously.

A method forms a butt joint between ends of first and second plies and splices the first and second plies together. The method includes the steps of: positioning a first splice edge of a first ply at a first location; positioning a second splice edge of a second ply at a second location, the second splice edge being left bare; wrapping a gum strip around the first splice edge such that the first gum strip forms a U-shaped structure in section that allows the first gum strip to extend from a first planar side of the first ply over the first splice edge to a second opposite planar side of the first ply; not wrapping a gum strip around the second splice edge; placing the first splice edge in abutting relationship to the second splice edge; and stitching the first splice edge to the second splice edge such that stitches each extend from the first planar side of the first ply, through the gum strip, to the first planar side of the second ply.

A system in accordance with the present invention cures and manufactures a partially-cured tire assembly. The system includes: a functional wheel member being slid into a corresponding annular, radially inner surface of the partially-cured tire assembly; a plurality of elongate spacer members; a first annular curing platen for axially securing the wheel member and spacer members relative to each other; a second annular curing platen for axially securing the wheel member and spacer members relative to each other; and a plurality of elongate inserts for creating a substantially smooth, uniform outer cylindrical surface formed by a radially outer surface of each insert and flap members of the tire assembly positioned by the radially outermost surfaces of the spacer members.

The reinforcing structure for a tire is in the form of a stratified assembly formed of two layers of reinforcing strips of completely connected cross section, and flattened in shape. According to the method, the strips of each layer are laid side by side in a main direction of laying. The strips of the first layer are spaced apart by a distance that is less than the width of the strips of the second layer and in such a way that the edges of the strips of the first layer overlap the edges of the strips of the second layer. The two layers of strips are separated by a layer of uncoupling rubber.

The present invention relates to a pipe connector assembly and a tire maintenance apparatus having the same. The pipe connector assembly comprises a leak-proof valve, and the leak-proof valve is opened only after a sealed fluid medium path is formed between the pipe connector assembly and the tire valve when the pipe connector assembly is screwed to the tire valve. The present invention advantageously prevents fluid medium leakage at the connection between the pipe connector assembly and the tire valve.

This invention discloses a technique for replenishing the level of sealant in self-sealing tires at the time that a puncture in the tire is being repaired or when the tire is being recapped. This technique provides the tire with its original level of self-sealing capabilities and will enhance the possibility of the tire remaining in service until it can be conveniently repaired. This method involves (1) injecting a liquid sealant formulation into the sealant layer of a self-sealing tire through at least one puncture hole therein, and (2) sealing the hole or holes in the supporting carcass and the innerliner of the tire. The sealant utilized is typically liquid polyisobutylene having a weight average molecular weight of 25,000 to 200,000. The sealant formulation used can optionally also contain a colorant or a pigment.

A device for inflating and sealing an inflatable object comprising an air-tight tube, at least one hermetic connector reversibly coupled to either end or both ends of said air-tight tube and a source of pressure connected to either one end, second end or said at least one hermetic connector. The airtight tube serves as both storage means and transfer means for a sealing agent. The device allows transfer of said sealant agent in a largely laminar flow, aiding solid and semi-solid materials in said sealant agent to align in the direction of said flow and pass securely throw the valve mechanism without clogging. The inflatable object may be inflated and sealed without removal of the valve mechanism of said inflatable object and may be charged with pressurized gas and sealant agent contemporaneously.

The invention relates to a distributor device (1) for generating an aerosol (8) comprising both gas and sealant, wherein the distributor device has at least one gas connector (2) for connection to at least one compressed-air source (11), at least one sealant connector (3) for connection to at least one sealant container (12), and one or more than one connecting element (4) for connection to a pneumatic vehicle tire (16), characterized in that the distributor device has a metering unit (5) for metering the sealant quantity fed to the distributor device. The invention also relates to a system for sealing and inflating pneumatic vehicle tires, and to a method for sealing pneumatic vehicle tires or inflatable technical articles, and to the use of a dosing unit for generating an aerosol.

A pneumatic tire is vulcanized by using a bladder provided with a coating layer formed by a release agent, and the release agent has a thickness, detected by an electron microscope, of 0.1 m to 100 m on an inner surface of a tread portion 1.

A barrier includes recycled rubber portions molded around a core infrastructure. The core infrastructure may itself include recycled rubber in a containment body. The containment body may include baled recycled or other waste material. The barriers may be stacked or connected to form a barrier structure useful in environmental control and other applications. The method for making the barriers includes molding rubber portions and a binder around a core infrastructure.