A surface of each of the portions of a pneumatic tire includes a ridge pattern region provided with a plurality of ridges continuously extending in one direction and provided at intervals, a non-ridge pattern region including a smooth surface and not provided with the ridges, and a two-dimensional code including a dot pattern formed from two types of gray scale elements distinguishably formed using surface irregularities. The two-dimensional code is engraved entirely overlapping the ridge pattern region or engraved overlapping the ridge pattern region and the non-ridge pattern region.

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.

Apparatus and method for manufacturing an air maintenance tire includes an air pumping tube assembly station constructing an air pumping tube sub-assembly, a tire preparation station for forming passageways in the tire to accept an outlet device of the air pumping tube sub-assembly, an air pumping tube sub-assembly installation station and a pressure regulator installation station. The air pumping tube sub-assembly inserts into an elongate tire groove opening, facilitated by groove-spreading apparatus.

The Lummi Rex, is an advanced car tire that displays contrasting colors within the tire by the aid of the shining chromes found on the rims and it is to yield caution to other drivers and pedestrians. The sole purpose of the Lummi Rex is to reduce and eliminate road accidents due to poor driving, drunk driving, irresponsible drivers, reckless drivers, car malfunctions, broken taillights, and miscommunication between drivers, pedestrians, and everything in its surroundings. The mission of the Lummi Rex is, but not limited to ease the communication process between drivers and pedestrians in a novel manner. Pedestrians will know that when this advanced car tire is illuminating in color Blue it means the car ignition is on, color Red means the car is in motion and finally, when the entire tire is glowing in color Green simply means that the brakes have been applied.

A tire for displaying at least one indicium includes a label affixed to the tire at a mounting location. The label has a first side facing away from the tire and a second side connected to the tire. The label's first side is configured to receive at least one adhesive appliqu having at least one indicium. The mounting location is a location on a sidewall of the tire where the label undergoes a strain equal to or less than a threshold strain under pre-defined conditions.

Identification labels and their incorporation in rubber-based articles are described. The labels include RFID components and can be incorporated in tires. The labels can withstand the relatively harsh conditions associated with vulcanization.

A method and associated apparatus for uniquely identifying tyres for wheels of vehicles as part of wheel maintenance processes. The method envisages that a vehicle wheel is mounted on a support of a wheel maintenance apparatus, said wheel comprising a rim and a tyre. Moreover, a digital code is created to uniquely identify the tyre. Finally, via a marking system, preferably of the optical type, at least one marking is created on the surface of one side wall of the tyre of said wheel, corresponding to the previously created digital code.

A decal marker used with a marking station interchangeably carries a decal tape and a marking tape and transfers a decal from the decal tape to a surface to be marked. A marking assembly frame and at least one marker carried by the marking assembly frame which carries the decal tape or the marking tape are included. A tape sensor assembly is carried by the at least one marker and detects an edge of the decal so that the at least one marker properly positions the decal for transfer to the surface.

Identification labels and their incorporation in rubber-based articles are described. The labels include RFID components and can be incorporated in tires. The labels can withstand the relatively harsh conditions associated with vulcanization.

A tire for displaying at least one indicium includes a label affixed to the tire at a mounting location. The label has a first side facing away from the tire and a second side connected to the tire. The label's first side is configured to receive at least one adhesive appliqu having at least one indicium. The mounting location is a location on a sidewall of the tire where the label undergoes a strain equal to or less than a threshold strain under pre-defined conditions.