The process includes a non-crosslinked self-sealing composition which is introduced into an extrusion means, the geometric and thermodynamic characteristics of which have been specially adapted. The speed and temperature conditions of the extrusion means are adjusted so that, at an application nozzle forming the outlet die of the extrusion means, the self-sealing composition is crosslinked. The application nozzle is brought close to the internal surface of the casing previously set in relative motion with respect to the application nozzle, and an extruded and crosslinked bead that has a given width and profile is deposited directly on the internal surface of the casing.

A self-sealing pneumatic tire having at least one cohesive sandwich radially inward of the pneumatic tire is provided. The at least cohesive sandwich may include a cohesive material under pressure, facilitating a recovery capacity upon being pierced by a sharp object, whereby the molecules of the cohesive material cohesively reattach, self-sealing any passageway or space created by the sharp object. The self-sealing pneumatic tire may also provide a loculated-diamond-section layer located radially inward of the outer cohesive sandwich, further supporting the self-sealing pneumatic tire. The external rubber tread are disposed along the circumference of the tire in some embodiments can be separate from the surface of the tire yet secured in place by attachments. Once fully utilized, this external rubber tread can be replaced by a new version without having to replace the entire tire.

A self-sealing elastomer composition that includes a diene elastomer, a hydrocarbon resin with a given softening temperature, and a liquid plasticizing agent, is manufactured according to a process that includes successive stages. In one stage, the hydrocarbon resin is incorporated in the diene elastomer by kneading the resin and the elastomer in a mixer at or up to a temperature referred to as hot compounding temperature, which is greater than the softening temperature of the resin, in order to obtain a masterbatch. In another stage, the liquid plasticizing agent is incorporated in the masterbatch by kneading the agent and the masterbatch in the same mixer or in another mixer, in order to obtain the self-sealing composition. The self-sealing composition then is formed dimensionally.

A process for producing tyres with auxiliary components for vehicle wheels is described. The process includes i) covering the external surface of an expandable chamber for tyre vulcanisation and moulding apparatuses with a first substantially cross-linkable polysiloxane composition and ii) covering the radially inner surface of the impermeable elastomeric material layer of the green tyre with a second substantially non-cross-linkable polysiloxane composition. An expandable chamber for tyre vulcanisation and moulding apparatuses and, a process for treating the expandable chamber are also described.

Methods for producing a polymer-containing coating upon a cured tire inner liner using a coating composition of specified composition are provided. Also provided are methods for producing a tire comprising a cured inner liner (with a polymer-containing coating upon its radially inward-facing surface) and at least one component positioned radially inward of the cured inner liner. Tires containing a cured inner liner (with a polymer-containing coating upon its radially inward-facing surface) and at least one component positioned radially inward of the cured inner liner are also disclosed.

A system for applying a sealing agent to the surface of an internal cavity of a pneumatic tire provided with an applicator device for supplying a strip of sealing agent that is applied to the surface and an opto-electronic device that is integral to the nozzle of the applicator device and that is provided with at least one sensor element that is able to acquire images of the surface and provide a plurality of signals indicative of the plurality of acquired images; and an electronic processing system connected to the opto-electronic device, and to the applicator device and configured so as to acquire the signals that are indicative of the plurality of images acquired by the opto-electronic device; and to control the application of the sealing agent as a function of the plurality of signals that are indicative of the plurality of images acquired by the opto-electronic device.

Processes for producing a sealant layer-tire inner liner combination as well as a sealant layer-containing tire and related processes involving the sealant layer-containing tire are disclosed. The sealant layer is adhered to the tire inner liner, has a thickness of 2-8 mm and comprises 100 parts of at least one rubber, 300-500 phr of at least one tackifier, optionally one or more extenders, optionally at least one hydroscopic substance, and a cure package.

A method and a system for applying a layer of sound-absorbing material to the inner surface of a cavity of a pneumatic tire comprising an applicator device having an applicator roller for implementing the application of the layer of sound-absorbing material to the inner surface after the removal of a lining and arranged, in use, at a position directly facing and in proximity to the inner surface and at a distance from the inner surface that substantially approximates the thickness of the layer of sound-absorbing material; a roller for winding the lining after the separation from the layer of sound-absorbing material; and further configured to make it possible to maintain substantially uniform the speed of the applicator roller and the winding roller.

The pneumatic tires of this invention are of the tubeless type, are capable of self-sealing punctures made therein, and generate a low level of noise during use on a vehicle. These tires have a sealant/noise reduction layer which is disposed inwardly from the supporting carcass and which is typically the innermost layer of the tire. The sealant/noise reduction layer is comprised of a dispersed phase and a continuous phase, wherein the dispersed phase is comprised of a sealant material, and wherein the continuous phase is comprised of a foamed polymeric material.

A method and system for cleaning the inner surface of a tire, comprising the steps of: emitting a laser beam that is directed against the inner surface using at least an emitter device; performing deeper cleaning within at least a first annular zone of the inner surface in applying, using at least the laser beam, to the first annular zone a first surface energy density; and performing less thorough cleaning within at least a second annular zone of the inner surface by applying, using at least the laser beam to the second annular zone a second surface energy density that is lower than the first surface energy density.